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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), concluded its participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025), held from November 10 to 14 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Kingdom signed 47 agreements aimed at strengthening its international partnerships in civil aviation. During the conference, GACA finalized bilateral air transport services agreements with the governments of Cape Verde, Paraguay, and Costa Rica. It also signed operational memoranda of understanding in air transport services with Panama, Liberia, Italy, and Luxembourg. These agreements are designed to expand cooperation in air transport and establish clear regulatory frameworks for air traffic between Saudi Arabia and partner countries. They also aim to promote bilateral collaboration based on mutual benefit and respect. The agreements support the objectives of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program and the Aviation Program, which work to enhance Saudi Arabia’s connectivity, open new markets, and empower national carriers to expand their global networks. In addition, Saudi Arabia held 26 rounds of bilateral meetings with several countries, including the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Iceland, Equatorial Guinea, Saint Martin, Honduras, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Trinidad and Tobago, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Curaçao. These discussions resulted in 17 agreements, memoranda of understanding, and records of discussion to deepen international cooperation in air transport services. Saudi Arabia’s extensive engagement at ICAN 2025 reflects its commitment to building global partnerships, advancing international civil aviation collaboration, and reinforcing its position as a leading logistics hub connecting the three continents. This ambition aligns with the goals of Vision 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) participated in a panel discussion titled “Inclusive Tourism for Persons with Disabilities in the Kingdom”, held as part of the High-Level Conference on “Accessible Tourism for Persons with Disabilities.” The event is organized by the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the League of Arab States, from 12–13 November 2025 in Riyadh, with the participation of leading experts and decision-makers in tourism, transport, and inclusive services. During the session, GACA’s Executive Vice President for Quality and Customer Experience, Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Dahmash, explained that the Authority has adopted an integrated regulatory framework based on the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its executive regulations. This framework aims to enhance the travel experience of passengers with disabilities by providing inclusive services and facilities that support their independence and dignity, while obligating all air service providers to comply with relevant regulations and circulars. He noted that GACA has aligned this regulatory framework with the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities to ensure unified standards and full coordination among all concerned entities—contributing to a more inclusive, accessible, and seamless travel experience for all segments of society. Eng. Al-Dahmash added that GACA operates under a system of regulations and national programs dedicated to strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities in air transport. These include the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, the National Program for Air Transport Facilitation, the National Aviation Security Program, and the executive regulations governing aviation safety. He also highlighted that GACA applies a comprehensive airport service quality assessment program, which includes specific criteria for measuring and improving the experience of travelers with disabilities. Under this program, the best-performing airport in serving this group is honored each year, encouraging healthy competition and elevating overall service quality. He further explained that GACA provides travelers with six diverse, round-the-clock communication channels for submitting complaints and inquiries, including the visual sign-language call service launched to support the needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing—enhancing communication accessibility and promoting an inclusive travel environment. The Executive Vice President for Quality and Customer Experience affirmed that GACA continues, through its regulatory and supervisory role, to monitor the commitment of airports across the Kingdom to the standards of universal accessibility. These efforts are guided by the simplified manual issued by the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities, which outlines precise technical specifications to ensure that airport facilities are fully prepared to accommodate all passengers and provide a safe, accessible travel experience that meets diverse needs.

In the presence of Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) yesterday honored the winning airlines of the “Multazim” Award for their excellence during the 1446 AH Hajj season, as part of its participation in the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Jeddah. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej presented the awards to the national carriers Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal, as well as to several international airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air China. GACA had earlier launched two initiatives, “Distinguished Path” and the “Multazim” Award, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency among airlines, encouraging them to elevate their service standards for the upcoming Hajj season, and motivating Hajj offices to make early preparations for pilgrims’ air transport. The authority affirmed that these initiatives reflect its commitment to developing the air transport ecosystem in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and to reinforcing the Kingdom’s leading role in serving pilgrims from across the world.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), chaired today in Jeddah the 18th meeting of the Steering Committee to activate the Aviation Programme. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Ahmed S. Al-Hassan, Assistant Minister of Transport & Logistic Services, along with GACA vice-presidents, CEOs, executive officials and directors representing national carriers and aviation companies operating in the Kingdom. The event was organized by Saudia Cargo. During his remarks, President Al-Duailej congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its re-election to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2026-2028 term. He emphasised that this milestone reflects the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the re-election underscores the international community’s trust in the Kingdom’s leadership, its strong safety record, regulatory modernisation, and its growing influence in shaping the global aviation landscape — particularly in areas of sustainability, innovation and connectivity. He affirmed that the world views the Kingdom as a trusted partner in building the future of international civil aviation. His Excellency highlighted that the Aviation Programme contributes to advancing the air-transport industry locally, regionally and globally, fostering an attractive investment environment, and shaping the Kingdom’s aviation future to position it as the leading aviation hub in the Middle East — thus contributing significantly to the national GDP. He noted that the third quarter of 2025 witnessed significant growth, with the total number of passengers reaching 103 million, marking a 9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The number of flights also rose by over 5 percent, surpassing 713,000 flights. His Excellency reaffirmed GACA’s ongoing commitment to progress and achievement, pointing out that the Kingdom will host several major international aviation events that reaffirm its global leadership in the field. Among these are the Future Aviation Forum 2026, scheduled for April in Riyadh, which will serve as a key platform to showcase Saudi Arabia’s progress and invite global leaders, airlines and investors to collaborate on shaping the next phase of aviation transformation. Additionally, Riyadh will host Routes World 2026, which will bring together global route planners and airlines to expand connectivity and strengthen the Kingdom’s network reach. He also emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts to enhance the sector’s overall performance and strengthen civil aviation’s role in boosting competitiveness and achieving the leadership’s vision of maximising the sector’s potential for citizens and travellers alike. His Excellency praised the dedication and joint efforts of all professionals across the civil-aviation ecosystem. For his part, Eng. Loay Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo, stated that hosting this important meeting reflects Saudia Cargo’s strong commitment and contribution to developing the air-transport and logistics sector in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub. He also reviewed the company’s key milestones over the past period, including expansion of its international network, development of its digital infrastructure, and enhancement of fleet efficiency to strengthen global supply-chains. He highlighted the company’s ambitious future plans focused on sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. The meeting concluded with discussions on the Aviation Programme, its key initiatives, strategies, and the alignment of national carriers’ and aviation-companies’ priorities with the programme’s objectives. It is worth noting that the Aviation Programme aims to double capacity to over 330 million passengers annually across more than 250 global destinations, and to increase cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons by the year 2030.

His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, and His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, held a meeting to explore ways to enhance joint cooperation in the aviation industry, at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, both sides discussed the importance of integrating efforts and strengthening their strategic partnership to advance the aviation industry in the Kingdom. The discussion highlighted the mutual goals of both entities in developing the aviation manufacturing sector in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and national strategies. As part of the visit, Minister Al-Khorayef was briefed on the stages of GACA’s transformation journey and its objectives to develop the aviation and air transport sector. The presentation also included an overview of the Civil Aviation Program, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading global aviation hub, in line with the aspirations of Vision 2030. Following the meeting, His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, accompanied by His Excellency the President of GACA, toured the Civil Aviation Museum, where they viewed its exhibits and collections that chronicle the history and early stages of Saudi civil aviation.

The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has elected Eng. Mohammed bin Sami Habib, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the ICAO Council, as Chair of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Support Committee (TCC) for a one-year term. The election took place during the first meeting of the Council’s 236th session in Montreal, Canada. This appointment reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s prominent role and strategic influence within the International Civil Aviation Organization and the global civil aviation industry. The decision reflects the Council’s confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership in supporting capacity-building initiatives for member states to enhance compliance with international civil aviation standards, ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of the sector. It also highlights global trust in the capabilities and expertise of Saudi professionals. The ICAO Council serves as the organization’s permanent executive body, comprising 36 elected member states for a three-year term. It sets general policies, approves budgets, and makes decisions between sessions of the General Assembly. Among its key committees is the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Support Committee (TCC), which advises the Council on policies and programs related to technical cooperation, capacity building, and training.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has won two gold awards for “Best Government Contact Center” and “Best Customer Service” worldwide during its participation in the annual Contact Center World Conference held in Greece.  This international recognition highlights GACA's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by streamlining complaint procedures and ensuring transparency in their handling, in line with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations. It also underscores the authority’s efforts to raise awareness of passenger rights, provide multiple communication channels for beneficiaries, and ensure easy access to compensation as stipulated in the regulations.  General Manager of Beneficiary Care at GACA Eng. Faisal Alhobayb affirmed that the authority remains dedicated to delivering top-quality services to passengers and beneficiaries in accordance with the highest international standards. He emphasized that GACA continuously works to enhance communication with beneficiaries by diversifying and expanding its 24/7 communication channels and by employing advanced technologies to monitor operational performance, analyze feedback, and ensure the quality and efficiency of all services provided.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued its monthly report for September 2025 on the punctuality performance of airports and national carriers, measuring flights that depart or arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled times, providing travelers with a transparent overview of timetable adherence and supporting improvements to the overall passenger experience.  Evaluated across five categories based on passenger volume, the report highlights King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, AlUla International Airport, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha as top-ranked airports.  King Khalid International Airport ranked first among international airports handling more than 15 million passengers annually, with an on-time performance rate of 87%. In the category of international airports handling between 5 and 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport achieved first place with a 90% compliance rate. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk topped the category for international airports handling between 2 and 5 million passengers annually, recording a 91% on-time performance rate. AlUla International Airport ranked first among international airports handling fewer than 2 million passengers annually, with a 97% compliance rate. Meanwhile, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha achieved first place among domestic airports, registering a perfect 100% on-time performance rate.  At the airline level, Saudia Airlines achieved on-time performance rates of 89% for arrivals and 86% for departures. While flynas recorded 84% for arrivals and 85% for departures, flyadeal led with 91% for arrivals and 93% for departures.  The GACA report also highlighted key domestic and international routes, noting that the domestic Tabuk–Riyadh flight achieved a 95% on-time performance rate among domestic flights, while the Riyadh–Doha route led international operations with 94%.  These efforts align with the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional aviation hub by improving operational standards, enhancing efficiency, and elevating the quality of passenger services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued its monthly report on the performance of the Kingdom’s domestic and international airports for September 2025, based on 11 key indicators and aligned with strategic directives to enhance services and elevate the passenger experience across the Kingdom.  Airports were grouped into five categories, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh taking first place in the international airports category handling more than 15 million passengers annually, with a compliance rate of 82%. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah ranked second, also with an 82% compliance rate, though King Khalid International Airport outperformed it in meeting the required standards.  In the category of international airports handling five to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam led with a 91% compliance rate. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah matched the same rate, though King Fahd International Airport scored higher in meeting the required standards.  In the third category, covering international airports handling between two and five million passengers annually, Abha International Airport ranked first with a 100% compliance rate, outperforming competitors in overall average departure and arrival waiting times. In the fourth category, for airports with fewer than two million passengers annually, Qaisumah International Airport also secured first place with a 100% compliance rate, leading its peers in average waiting times for departures and arrivals.  GACA's airport performance evaluation relies on 11 crucial criteria, including passenger waiting times during travel procedures, time spent at baggage claim, passport control and customs areas, and standards for passengers with disabilities, in accordance with global best practices.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with His Excellency Mr. Omar Hisham Al-Husari, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport in the Syrian Arab Republic, at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, both sides reviewed topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various areas that contribute to exchanging expertise, strengthening integration between the two countries, and providing all forms of technical and advisory support related to the civil aviation sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has earned the Level 3 “Innovation” Certification from the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) for its innovative “Queue Management System.” This international recognition highlights GACA’s leadership in institutional innovation and reflects its continued efforts to advance digital transformation and enhance passenger experience across Saudi airports. The achievement marks a new milestone in GACA’s journey to promote a culture of innovation through a comprehensive strategy, strengthening research and development within the civil aviation sector. It also demonstrates the integration and joint efforts of GACA’s departments in achieving the objectives of the Aviation Program, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, in the areas of excellence, innovation, and digital transformation. Obtaining this certification represents international recognition of GACA’s capability to design and implement innovative solutions that deliver real impact and improve the quality of services provided to beneficiaries. It also reaffirms GACA’s alignment with global best practices and standards in institutional innovation and development. The Global Innovation Institute (GInI) is the world’s leading authority for innovation accreditation and certification, known for its rigorous standards and global network of certified experts. The institute aims to enhance organizational performance in innovation and strengthen their ability to design and implement creative, high-impact solutions. This global certification reinforces GACA’s international credibility and leadership across the aviation sector. It enhances the Authority’s reputation both locally and globally and boosts partner and stakeholder confidence in the quality and effectiveness of its initiatives and innovations.  

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej and Cuba’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Miguel Porto Parga signed an agreement on air transport services between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Cuba today at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The signing took place as part of the official visit of the Cuban prime minister to attend the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh.  The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the field of air transport services and to promote bilateral relations based on mutual benefit and respect, in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries. It also seeks to establish regulatory frameworks for air transport.  This step contributes to achieving the objectives of the aviation program, which focuses on building international partnerships and strengthening global relations in civil aviation. It will also enable national carriers to expand their operational networks, enhance the Kingdom’s air connectivity to reach 250 destinations, and help transport 330 million passengers annually by 2030, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) yesterday issued its index classifying air transport service providers and airports, based on the passenger complaints submitted to the authority during September 2025.  GACA reported a total of 2,399 passenger complaints filed against air carriers. The performance rankings, measured by complaints per 100,000 passengers, showed flyadeal leading the field with the fewest complaints—38 per 100,000—while maintaining a 98% timely resolution rate.  flynas followed in second place with 43 complaints per 100,000, notably achieving a 100% on-time resolution rate. Saudia Airlines came in third, registering 54 complaints per 100,000 passengers and holding a 90% timely resolution rate.  Overall, the most frequent complaint categories in September involved flights, followed by baggage services, and then ticketing.  King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh led its category in the GACA index, recording the lowest number of complaints. In the category for international airports serving over six million passengers annually, the airport registered 15 complaints per 100,000 passengers and achieved a 100% on-time resolution rate.  Abha International Airport recorded the lowest number of complaints filed with GACA in the index category for international airports with an annual passenger count of less than six million, registering four complaints per 100,000 passengers and achieving an on-time complaint resolution rate of 100%.  In the category for domestic airports, Sharurah Airport had the lowest number of complaints filed with GACA, with one complaint per 100,000 passengers and an on-time complaint resolution rate of 100%.  GACA stated that the purpose of issuing this monthly index is to provide passengers with information on the performance of service providers and airports in resolving customer issues, enabling travelers to make informed choices. This also enhances transparency, reinforces GACA's credibility, and fosters fair competition for continuous service improvement.  GACA has provided airport operators with a guidelines booklet for handling passenger complaints, specifying service level agreements. The authority also conducts workshops to train employees of national airlines and ground handling companies on adhering to customer rights regulations.  Passengers and visitors can submit feedback 24/7 through multiple communication channels, including the unified call center (1929), the WhatsApp service (0115253333), social media accounts, email, and the official website.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), received today His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Farah Nouh, Minister of Air Transport and Civil Aviation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, both parties reviewed topics of mutual interest and discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of air transport and civil aviation industry development.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), chaired today the second meeting of the Committee for the Activation of the Saudi Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program (CAESP), held at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting was attended by committee members representing key stakeholders and relevant government entities. The program aims to provide strategic guidance, oversight, and coordination among aviation stakeholders, while supporting effective implementation. It also focuses on enhancing monitoring practices and tracking progress to ensure continuous improvement in performance indicators, in alignment with the Aviation Sector Strategy and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. In his remarks, Mr. Al-Duailej emphasized that CAESP is a cornerstone initiative in positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainable aviation. He noted that the program has achieved significant and comprehensive progress across its pillars, including the activation of its regulatory framework, enhancement of its execution model, improvement of environmental data collection and analysis, and strengthening of monitoring and compliance mechanisms in line with national and international sustainability standards. He added that the sector has witnessed tangible achievements in recent phases, marking solid steps toward realizing the program’s objectives. These efforts contribute to building a sustainable aviation sector that balances economic growth with environmental preservation, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. He also stressed the importance of continued teamwork and collaboration across all entities, particularly in environmental monitoring, verification, and data governance to ensure performance sustainability and output quality. Captain Suleiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimeed, Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at GACA, highlighted the importance of enhancing competitiveness in the aviation sector through integrated compliance and oversight systems. He affirmed that fostering a culture of commitment begins with top-down leadership, ensuring unified efforts and strategic clarity across all levels. The CAESP program is built on a robust governance framework and a comprehensive, integrated approach. It encompasses seven environmental pillars: greenhouse gas emissions, noise, biodiversity, waste management, air quality, energy and water efficiency, and climate change response. The program includes a range of initiatives, sub-programs, targets, and performance indicators developed specifically for the aviation sector. These are designed to meet national goals and fulfill international commitments within a defined timeline, leveraging enablers from both public and private sectors.