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Sultan bin Abdulaziz Musharraf became the first Saudi to earn the highest global classification in aviation and airport safety and operation regulations. The prestigious honor, jointly awarded by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Airports Council International (ACI), was presented at ICAO's headquarters in Montreal, Canada.  Musharraf made history by becoming the first Saudi, Arab, and Middle Eastern person to receive the global classification from ICAO and ACI. The achievement was directly supported by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and General Authority for Civilian Aviation (GACA) Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser, along with the follow-up of GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.  Musharraf affirmed that the Kingdom is proud of its citizens who achieve global standing, noting their sincere determination and promising abilities translate into real-world action. He urged Saudi youth to always strive for excellence with resolve and persistence, serving the nation and contributing to its advancement, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership.

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its pivotal role in shaping international civil aviation policies and regulations, a commitment that began with its membership in the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1986. This long-standing partnership reflects the global community’s trust in the Kingdom’s leadership and stature. Through launching initiatives, signing strategic agreements, and expanding travel markets with countries worldwide, Saudi Arabia continues to elevate the global air transport industry. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the Kingdom is working to transform and advance the civil aviation sector while boosting international trade. Today, Saudi Arabia stands as a powerful force in regional and global aviation, backed by world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge technology. It ranks among the top nations globally in aviation safety and security standards, thanks to the forward-looking guidance of the wise leadership — may God protect them — which has built a strong and competitive aviation sector. Saudi Arabia’s participation in the 42nd ICAO Assembly, held from September 23 to October 3 in Montreal, Canada, further cements its deep-rooted cooperation with the organization. The Kingdom plays an active role in shaping policies and practices that enhance global aviation safety and efficiency. Saudi experts and professionals have long contributed to ICAO’s technical teams and committees, helping drive decision-making and develop solutions to the challenges facing the aviation industry. The Kingdom’s renewed candidacy for ICAO Council membership underscores the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s (GACA) commitment to meaningful global engagement. The 42nd ICAO Assembly — a major international event — is expected to spotlight the valuable opportunities offered by the aviation program in supporting the global aviation sector. It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to strengthen global connectivity and investment ties with countries around the world. Saudi Arabia continues to lead in shaping the future of global aviation through its active and constructive participation in ICAO’s Council, Air Navigation Commission, and affiliated committees and working groups. The Kingdom chairs several international and regional aviation committees, currently presides over the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, leads its Aviation Security Committee, and serves as a member of the Air Navigation Commission, which focuses on enhancing civil aviation safety. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia will host the fourth edition of the Future Aviation Forum from April 20–22, 2026, in Riyadh, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud — may God preserve him. This major international event is the largest of its kind in the region and reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to support sustainable development in aviation and drive innovation and progress in the global aviation industry. It is worth noting that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, was established in 1944 under the Chicago Convention. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, ICAO comprises 193 member states and aims to develop and promote global civil aviation by setting standards and regulations that enhance aviation safety, security, and operational efficiency — while also addressing environmental protection in the sector.

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser affirmed Saudi Arabia's leading role in the global aviation sector. Speaking at the opening of the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada, he announced a $1 million donation from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to support the ICAO's "No Country Left Behind" program for the 2025-2028 cycle, which helps developing countries implement civil aviation safety and security standards.  Al-Jasser stated that the Kingdom is an influential force in regional and international aviation, ranking among the top countries in aviation safety and security. He noted that Saudi Arabia has strong cooperative relations with ICAO and has actively contributed to developing global policies and practices.  The minister highlighted the Kingdom's aviation program, part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to transport over 330 million passengers annually by 2030, connect the Kingdom to 250 international destinations, attract investments exceeding $100 billion, develop key infrastructure like King Salman International Airport with a capacity of 120 million passengers, and train over 50,000 professionals in the sector by 2030.  Al-Jasser noted that the aviation sector contributes over $53 billion to the GDP and provides one million job opportunities. He also mentioned that Saudi Arabia has hosted numerous international conferences, including the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2023) and the ICAO Facilitation 2024 Global Summit.  The Kingdom is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 by investing in low-carbon infrastructure, modernizing its fleet, and adopting sustainable aviation fuels, said Al-Jasser. He highlighted the Red Sea International Airport as a global model of sustainability, as it operates entirely on renewable energy. The use of an autonomous air taxi for Hajj 2024 was also mentioned as an example of the Kingdom's commitment to innovation.  In terms of regional integration, Al-Jasser said Saudi Arabia is proud to chair the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) and host the official headquarters of the Cooperative Aviation Security Program – Middle East (CASP-MID).  He invited all member states to attend the fourth edition of the Future of Aviation Conference, which will be held in Riyadh from April 20 to 22, 2026.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej signed a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) on Monday at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 42nd General Assembly in Montreal, Canada, aiming to enhance cooperation in the operation and development of aviation infrastructure and facilitate expertise exchange between the two parties. During the event, attended by a high-level delegation headed by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, the Kingdom announced its intention to seek re-election to the ICAO Council in Category II for the 2025-2028 term, reaffirming its role as an active member and key partner in shaping international civil aviation policies.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released today its monthly report on the performance of the Kingdom's international and domestic airports for August 2025. The report, prepared in line with the authority's strategic direction to enhance service quality and improve the passenger experience, measures performance across 11 key criteria.  According to the report, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Abha International Airport, Qaisumah International Airport, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha achieved the highest rankings across their respective categories.  In the category of international airports handling more than 15 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh ranked first with a compliance rate of 82%, followed by King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with 73%. Among airports serving between five million and 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam ranked first with 91%, surpassing Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.  Abha International Airport topped the category of airports serving between two and five million passengers annually, achieving full compliance at 100%. The airport outperformed peers particularly in average wait times for both departing and arriving passengers. In the category of international airports handling fewer than two million passengers annually, Qaisumah International Airport came first with 100% compliance, also excelling in average wait times.  At the domestic level, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha ranked first with 100% compliance, outperforming all competing airports in wait-time efficiency.  GACA emphasized that its evaluation criteria include passenger wait times at check-in, baggage claim, passport control, and customs, in addition to services provided for people with disabilities, along with several other indicators aligned with international best practices.  

Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United States of America, today received in Washington His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, during his official visit to the United States. The meeting comes within the framework of enhancing cooperation in private sector investment between the two countries. The discussions reviewed the latest developments in the transformation of the air transport sector, explored avenues to strengthen collaboration in advanced air mobility, research, and innovation, and highlighted opportunities to encourage leading American companies and investors to invest in the Kingdom’s aviation sector, in support of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will participate in the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 3 in Montreal, Canada.  GACA will be represented by a high-level delegation headed by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA’s Board of Directors Saleh Al-Jasser, together with GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.  The participation aims to advance the global air transport industry through the launch of initiatives and the signing of partnership agreements.  It also seeks to develop the travel market between the Kingdom and countries worldwide by presenting working papers and information, as well as holding bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event, which is held every three years.

Ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States were further stregthened in the aviation sector during a visit to the US by a delegation from the Saudi civil aviation sector, led by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The delegation visited the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the headquarters of Boeing in Washington DC,  as well as the Dreamliner facility in Charleston, South Carolina, one of the company’s largest and most advanced worldwide hubs.  Collaboration opportunities in civil aviation, aircraft manufacturing and maintenance services, sustainability, and advanced technologies initiatives were among the many topics discussed across the two-day visit. The visit aimed to enhance cooperation with the United States in knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and localization of the aviation industry, in line with the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global industrial and logistics hub in aviation as part of its economic diversification, as set out in Vision 2030. “By engaging with global aviation regulators and manufacturers, GACA is supporting Vision 2030 objectives to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub connecting three continents, delivering greater connectivity and travel experiences for the Kingdom’s passengers. With new Saudi airlines being launched, record aircraft orders, and a focus on innovation and sustainability, the visit highlights the unprecedented opportunities being created by the Kingdom and underscores the strong Saudi–U.S. aviation partnership,” said GACA President, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej. During the delegation’s tour of Boeing’s Dreamliner facility in Charleston, GACA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing in the field of sustainability and advanced air mobility. The agreement was signed by Captain Sulaiman Al-Muhaimidi, GACA’s Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, and Mr. Asaad Al-Jomoai, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia. “This partnership with Boeing reflects GACA’s commitment to creating safer, smarter skies through advanced air mobility innovation. The effort further cements Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the future of aviation,” said GACA’s Executive Vice President.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today celebrated Global Search and Rescue Day of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, an initiative launched by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and approved by the program’s council and member states. The occasion reflects the Kingdom’s pivotal role and leadership in search and rescue at both regional and international levels.  This initiative is part of GACA’s efforts to enhance safety and protect lives through search and rescue services. The authority presented the initiative during the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program meeting held in Riyadh in October 2024, where it gained broad support and approval from member states, underscoring the Kingdom’s active role in humanitarian action and international cooperation to safeguard lives.  The Saudi Search and Rescue Center, operating under GACA and managed by Saudi Air Navigation Services, is one of the first centers of its kind in the region. It covers seven neighboring countries and is regarded as an advanced hub that relies on the latest technologies to receive and analyze satellite distress signals, providing round-the-clock services to ensure rapid response to maritime, land, and air incidents.  Between 2020 and 2025, the center received 2,657 distress alerts, including 2,314 maritime, 236 aviation-related, and 107 individual alerts. Of these, 100 cases required search and rescue operations, resulting in the rescue of more than 250 people.

The Saudi capital, Riyadh, will host the 31st edition of Routes World 2026 from October 18 to 20, 2026 under the patronage of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority, Matarat Holding Company, the Air Connectivity Program and organized by Talaf. Routes World is recognized as the world’s leading event dedicated to the future of global air route development. It brings together airlines, airports, tourism authorities and key aviation stakeholders to discuss and plan the future of air transport services. The event also attracts thousands of decision-makers in the aviation industry, contributing to strengthening global air connectivity and supporting the growth of tourism and international travel. On this occasion, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA and Chairman of Matarat Holding Company, stated that hosting Routes World 2026 represents a milestone in the Kingdom’s journey to cement its position as a global aviation hub linking Asia, Africa and Europe. He emphasized that the Saudi aviation sector is witnessing rapid growth, supported by major infrastructure investments and ambitious objectives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 in tourism and economic development. He added: “Hosting this global event in Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s remarkable progress in positioning itself as a world-class aviation hub and a leading tourism destination, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. With Saudi Arabia also hosting Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, the Kingdom is demonstrating its capability to organize world-class international events while enhancing global air connectivity to support these milestones.” For his part, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this conference reaffirms its growing position as a leading destination in tourism and air connectivity. He noted: “We aim to build bridges of communication, unlock new opportunities and enhance cultural exchange. The Kingdom has recorded unprecedented growth in tourism and travel, welcoming more than 116 million visitors from around the world in 2024, a 6 percent increase compared to 2023. Air connectivity has played a key role in driving this growth, leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic location at the heart of the world.” Meanwhile, Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program, expressed pride in partnering with Routes World 2026 in Riyadh, the largest global event dedicated to air connectivity. He affirmed that hosting the conference in the Kingdom reflects the program’s commitment to supporting the growth of tourism and aviation. He added: “This international forum will showcase the promising opportunities that define the future of travel and aligns directly with the Kingdom’s national tourism and aviation strategies.” Stephen Small, Director of Routes, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s exceptional tourism growth, noting: “International visitor spending in the Kingdom reached USD 40.95 billion in 2024. Coupled with its strategic location and modern aviation infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is an ideal destination to host this landmark event.” King Salman International Airport in Riyadh is targeting 120 million passengers annually by 2030 and 185 million by 2050. Meanwhile, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is undergoing multi-phase expansions to increase its capacity from 50 million passengers annually to between 80 and 114 million by 2030, and up to 100 million by 2035. Alongside these ambitious targets, the Kingdom is investing in new airlines and advanced infrastructure, including the upcoming launch of Riyadh Air by the end of 2025, which will serve more than 100 international destinations. The Saudi air transport sector recorded unprecedented growth in 2024, surpassing 128 million passengers through the Kingdom’s airports, a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year and 25 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels. The record growth continued in the first half of 2025, with Saudi airports handling 66.7 million passengers across 467,000 flights and 575,000 tons of air cargo, further consolidating the Kingdom’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets worldwide.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), met separately today at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Kingdom, Hans Peter van der Woude; the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Kingdom, Mr. Jonathan Wutawunashe; the Ambassador of the Republic of Bangladesh to the Kingdom, Mr. Delwar Hossain; and the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Kingdom, Mr. Jacques Jacob Andre. During the meetings, they reviewed issues of common interest related to the air transport sector and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the civil aviation industry.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, met today with Mr. Amara Sakor, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the Kingdom, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting reviewed topics of mutual interest and explored ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of air transport.

As part of the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance international cooperation in civil aviation, Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Fawzan, Executive Vice President for Aviation Security and Chairman of the Middle East Aviation Security Cooperative Program, paid an official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, where he met with Mr. Omar Al-Hosari, President of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority. The meeting reviewed ways to reinforce aviation security measures between the Kingdom and Syria, focusing on developing human capabilities and expanding areas of cooperation in civil aviation to serve the interests of both countries. The visit also witnessed the launch of the activities of the Middle East Aviation Security Cooperative Program, one of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) initiatives, hosted by the Kingdom with the support and sponsorship of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The program aims to advance aviation security capabilities across the region. It is worth noting that the Kingdom has recently supported Syria’s accession to the program, reaffirming its commitment to promoting regional integration and cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, met today with His Excellency Dr. Mukhtar Khidr Abdo, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Kingdom, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting reviewed topics of mutual interest and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of air transport.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej yesterday signed an air transport services agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The signing ceremony was held at GACA's headquarters in Riyadh, with Pakistani Secretary of Defense Muhammad Ali representing his government.  The agreement aims to bolster cooperation in air transport services based on mutual benefit and respect, in accordance with applicable regulations, laws, and procedures. It seeks to update the regulatory framework governing air traffic between the two countries, contribute to the objectives of the Aviation Program aimed at building international partnerships, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s global civil aviation relations.  By seeking to modernize the regulatory framework between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in line with developments in the civil aviation sector, the agreement ensures regular, safe, and sound air operations.