GACA Highlights Pioneering Projects in the Sector During the 14th Steering Committee Meeting to Activate its Strategy

October 28, 2024

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held its 14th Steering Committee Meeting for Activating the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector today in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, with the attendance of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Hassan, the Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and Eng. Omar Al-Abdullatif, the CEO of the Eastern Region Development Authority. Also in attendance were Vice Presidents, CEOs, officials, and managers representing companies and national carriers operating in the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, with the meeting organized by Dammam Airports Company.

In his address, His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that the civil aviation sector achieved unprecedented record numbers this year. The number of passengers increased by 15% to reach 94 million between January and September 2024, with flights seeing a 10% rise compared to 2023. This growth was particularly notable at the Kingdom’s airports, including Dammam Airport, which recorded a 16% increase in passenger numbers by September. The volume of air connectivity has expanded as well, with flights now departing to over 150 destinations weekly.

He further emphasized the significant role of shipping and logistics in the Kingdom’s economic growth, highlighting that air freight has grown by 52% this year, with a total volume approaching one million tons. He stressed that this growth positively impacts various sectors across the Kingdom. His Excellency underscored the importance of redoubling efforts to enhance overall sector performance and maximize the role of civil aviation, thereby increasing the sector’s competitiveness to meet the aspirations of the wise leadership in developing the industry to better serve citizens and travelers. He also commended all employees of the civil aviation sector for their dedicated efforts in overcoming challenges.

The meeting then discussed key developments in activating the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector, the progress made on various initiatives, and updates on the recommendations of the 13^th Steering Committee meeting. It also reviewed the latest achievements and pioneering projects for the sector in 2024, as well as developments in the strategies of airlines operating at the Kingdom’s airports. The discussion focused on their priorities, goals, and alignment with the National Strategy to contribute to the Kingdom’s social and economic development and achieve the ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2030.

The event also included a signing ceremony of several contracts between Dammam Airports Company and a number of specialized private sector companies, in the presence of His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation. These projects, valued at  over 300 million riyals, are aimed at enhancing infrastructure, improving the passenger experience, and boosting electricity reliability at the airport. They also focus on asset development,  digital technology and cybersecurity.

It is worth noting that the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector, derived from the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics, aims to double the sector’s capacity to more than 300 million passengers annually from over 250 global destinations. It also seeks to increase cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons of goods by 2030.