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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia for November. GACA classified airports into five categories, it said in a recent report. Among international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport took the first place with a compliance rate of 82%, followed with Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (73%). In the category of international airports with five to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) led with a compliance rate of 91%. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport came second with a compliance rate of 91%. Among international airports with two to five million passengers annually, Abha International Airport took the first place with a 100% compliance rate. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan followed with a 100% compliance rate. Abha International Airport stood out by achieving the targets set for standards. In the category of international airports with less than two million passengers, Arar International Airport achieved 100% compliance, outperforming peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights. For domestic airports, Gurayat Domestic Airport came on top with a 100% compliance rate, surpassing peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued the classification index for air transport service providers and airports to inform passengers about their performance and help them make informed choices. The assessment is based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travelers. According to GACA, 928 complaints were filed by travelers on Saudi air carriers in November. Flyadeal had the fewest complaints among the airlines, 11 per 100,000 travelers, and a complaint resolution rate of 99%. Low-cost carrier flynas was second, with 12 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was third with 13 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 99%. The most common complaints in November were about luggage, flights, and tickets. According to the report, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had 13 complaints, a remarkably low complaint rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers, and a 100% complaint resolution rate, despite serving over 6 million annual passengers. With nearly 6 million annual passengers, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport had a complaint rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. King Saud Airport had the lowest complaints among domestic airports, with a complaint rate of 3 per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travelers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services. According to the authority, multiple communication channels are kept open around the clock to enable interaction with travelers and airport visitors. They are: Call Center number 1929; WhatsApp service at 0115253333; email at gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa; social media accounts; and GACA's website. Through these channels, the authority receives complaints concerning boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility. In support of its partnering airports, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on handling traveler complaints. The booklet, which was circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules for all types of complaints and inquiries. Through regularly held workshops, GACA trains employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travelers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has successfully wrapped up its participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week 2024, held in the Sultanate of Oman from December 9 to 12, where leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations and bodies from across the world gathered to discuss civil aviation security collaboration. During its participation at the event, organized in collaboration with the ICAO, the GACA reviewed its prominent role at both regional and international levels in aviation security, particularly through its chairmanship of the Civil Aviation Security Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, to which it was recently elected to lead for the third consecutive time. Additionally, it has demonstrated its commitment to supporting ICAO initiatives and programs related to security and cyber security in civil aviation, as well as fostering the development of skills and tools that enhance the aviation industry and improve safety standards in air operations and airports. The authority also highlighted its efforts to leverage modern technologies to establish an innovative aviation security sector. During the event, GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej visited the exhibition pavilions on the sidelines of the ICAO Security Week. He was briefed on the latest technologies and innovative security solutions pertaining to air traffic security, drone tracking systems, and cyber security, as well as the best practices and tools employed to tackle security threats stemming from contemporary digital methods and drones, among other topics. The ICAO Security Week 2024 featured a series of bilateral meetings, including discussions led by Al-Duailej. These meetings aimed to strengthen cooperation efforts with aviation authority leaders globally through engaging with officials from the United States of America, the Republic of Egypt, the Sultanate of Oman, and the State of Qatar. Several topics concerning the civil aviation sector and methods to improve collaboration in aviation security were discussed during the meetings.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, highlighted the critical and central role of young people in advancing civil aviation security. He emphasized that aviation security is not merely about systems and procedures but rather a shared responsibility that integrates modern technologies with innovative vision. This statement was made during his participation in the youth session held as part of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Security Week 2024. The event, hosted by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation in the Sultanate of Oman, includes the participation of leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations worldwide and continues until December 12. His Excellency explained that ICAO has established precise standards for aviation security. Through initiatives such as "The Next Generation of Aviation Professionals," the organization aims to empower young people via various training programs and professional opportunities. He noted that the younger generation is uniquely capable of integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to develop more efficient and effective security systems. During the session titled "Empowering Youth... Achieving Gender Balance in Aviation Security," His Excellency underscored the importance of gender balance in the aviation sector. He emphasized that achieving justice and equality not only ensures fairness but also enhances performance and encourages more innovative decision-making. ICAO's "Gender Equality" program, he noted, is designed to empower women and increase their representation in leadership roles, particularly in aviation security. His Excellency concluded by highlighting the significant innovations brought forward by youth in aviation security. Examples include the use of artificial intelligence to improve baggage inspection processes, drones for monitoring airport perimeters, and facial recognition systems to expedite security procedures. He affirmed that incorporating modern technologies to enhance civil aviation security is part of ongoing global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security measures in the sector.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej emphasised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to regional and international initiatives in addressing the security challenges facing the civil aviation sector. He noted that the Saudi aviation system had attained a compliance rate of 94.4% in implementing aviation security standards, a testament to national efforts, as highlighted in the comprehensive aviation security audit report released by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), positioning the Kingdom among the world's foremost nations in this domain. This was articulated in a speech by the GACA president at the ministerial meeting associated with the "ICAO Security Week 2024," which is currently taking place in the Sultanate of Oman from December 9 to 12, 2024. This event is organised in collaboration with the ICAO and involves the participation of leaders and heads of civil aviation organisations and entities globally. Al-Duailej highlighted that the growing security challenges currently confronting the civil aviation sector are marked by complexity and diversity. These include cyber-attacks and the use of drones in actions that threaten security, along with risks stemming from modern technologies, such as cyber-attacks on aviation digital systems. He emphasised that these threats have emerged as a new danger that requires innovative strategies for effective management. He outlined that the Kingdom's initiatives in civil aviation security focus on fundamental principles designed to improve security preparedness and guarantee the sector's safety at all levels. The GACA president highlighted that the Kingdom has focused significantly on cybersecurity given the current technological challenges, having developed specialised programs to safeguard digital systems, booking platforms, and aviation operations. This enhances the sector's capacity to combat cyber-attacks. He also noted that the Kingdom aims to cultivate exceptional human capabilities in this field by launching advanced training programs in collaboration with international organisations to qualify national personnel and improve their preparedness to handle various security scenarios. "The Kingdom has played a crucial role in supporting regional and international initiatives focused on improving security in this essential sector. It has also been actively involved in developing joint security strategies with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to strengthen security coordination among nations, ensuring a prompt and effective response to security challenges," he said. He stated that the Kingdom has played a crucial role in international initiatives spearheaded by the ICAO. It has played a significant role in shaping aviation security policies and executing programs designed to enhance global security standards. This includes hosting the permanent headquarters of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (ICAO CASP-MID) and supporting the ICAO through the "No Country Left Behind" (NCLB) initiative. At the conclusion of his speech, the GACA president emphasised the significance of strengthening collaboration among all nations to stay updated on the swift advancements in security threat methods and to unite in creating innovative and effective solutions to tackle these challenges.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, today honored partners from national air carriers and ground services companies in recognition of their efforts in successfully activating the “Traveler without a Bag” service during the Hajj seasons of 1444 AH and 1445 AH. The ceremony was attended by Raed bin Hassan Al-Idrisi, the CEO of MATARAT Holding, along with senior officials from the transportation, aviation, and airport sectors. In his speech at the ceremony, Al-Duailej expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the participants in the “Traveler without a Bag” service. He highlighted the exceptional efforts that contributed to the service’s success, considering it a significant milestone within the framework of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. This initiative aims to improve the traveler’s experience, streamline their journey in the Kingdom's airports, and reinforce the Kingdom's position as a global hub for civil aviation. The “Traveler Without a Bag” service is an innovative initiative launched by MATARAT Holding, following the establishment of its regulatory framework by the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The service is designed to simplify travel procedures at Saudi airports, improve the overall travel experience in alignment with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, reduce waiting times, and minimize the need for travelers to carry light luggage during their journey from their residence to the aircraft. The service achieved remarkable success during the Hajj seasons of 1444 AH and 1445 AH, benefiting over 1.4 million pilgrims from 30 countries worldwide. To further enhance its efficiency, the service will be made mandatory for all pilgrims through the electronic track during the Hajj season of 1446 AH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Additionally, efforts are underway with the Guests of God Program to expand the service to include the peak Umrah season of 1447 AH. These initiatives align with ongoing efforts to elevate the experiences of pilgrims and Umrah performers and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for air transport services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is participating, with a delegation led by its President, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week 2024, hosted by the Omani Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Muscat from December 9 to 12. The event brings together leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations and authorities worldwide. The GACA’s participation aims to exchange expertise and experiences in civil aviation security and cybersecurity, develop skills and tools to strengthen the foundations of the aviation industry, and enhance safety in air operations and airports. It also seeks to highlight the importance of coordinating responses to emerging threats, particularly cybersecurity-related challenges, and explore solutions and avenues for cooperation to address these challenges while promoting international collaboration to ensure civil aviation security. Meanwhile, the GACA president will participate in the high-level Ministerial Segment and the Youth Session, held as part of the ICAO Security Week 2024. The event focuses on the necessity of unifying international efforts and adopting an integrated approach to address all security challenges related to international civil aviation, including the protection of critical aviation infrastructure and enhancing its resilience against various risks. It also addresses several topics, such as air cargo security, aviation security in conflict zones, and exploring best practices and tools to counter emerging security threats posed by modern digital technologies, drones, and other acts of unlawful interference. ICAO Security Week 2024, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, is one of this field's most prominent global events. This year marks the first time it has been held outside ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

Saudi Arabia was elected chair of the Air Navigation Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) at the recent meeting the committee held at the organization's headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. This achievement underlines the Kingdom’s regional and international status in civil aviation; it follows its election as chair of ACAO Executive Council and membership in its committees. It further boosts Saudi Arabia’s leading role in ensuring air navigation safety and underscores its active contribution to specialized international civil aviation organizations. On this occasion, Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Captain Sulaiman Saleh Almuhaimedi highlighted that this success reflects the esteemed position Saudi Arabia holds in international and regional aviation organizations. He noted that the Kingdom has swiftly transitioned from being merely a participant to holding leadership roles in committees and working groups of regional and global organizations, adding that GACA has recently assumed the leadership of several committees and working groups. The Executive Council of the ACAO is chaired by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej who was elected during the 28th Ordinary General Assembly of ACAO, held in July in Rabat, Morocco. Saudi Arabia is one of the founding members and key supporters of ACAO, an Arab League-affiliated specialized organization established in 1996, which aims to boost cooperation and coordination among Arab states in civil aviation.

His Excellency, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Kingdom, Mr. Lulzim Mijko, at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting focused on reviewing topics of mutual interest and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the civil aviation sector.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Lithuania signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in air transport services. The accord was formalized by General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej and Lithuanian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq Ramunas Davidonis during a ceremony today at GACA's headquarters in Riyadh. The agreement sets a regulatory framework for air transport operations between the two countries and aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia's civil aviation sector strategy. It aims to expand the operational network of national carriers, elevate the Kingdom's status as a global logistics hub, and increase its global air connectivity to 250 destinations. The agreement also supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by contributing to ambitious targets, including transporting 330 million passengers annually and establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics platform.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation yesterday in the 35th General Assembly of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The assembly, which took place from November 26 to 29, was opened by Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo Anatole Collinet Makosso and attended by AFCAC Chairman Silas Udahemuka, AFCAC Secretary General Adefunke Adeyemi, and heads of civil aviation authorities from the commission's member states, along with representatives of the African Union. During the main session, Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation at GACA Ali Rajab presented the achievements of the national aviation sector strategy and the authority's role in positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub connecting countries around the world. Rajab also highlighted future investment opportunities for the Kingdom in the global aviation sector. He emphasized that the Kingdom is investing $100 billion, with the goal of transporting 330 million passengers and 4.5 million tons of cargo by air, and operating 250 international destinations by 2030. Rajab also discussed Saudi Arabia’s environmental sustainability program for civil aviation (CAESP), which aims to promote sustainable aviation practices. He noted that the program underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, and lowering the carbon footprint of civil aviation activities. Rajab reviewed the Kingdom's support for international initiatives and organizations, such as the “No Country Left Behind” campaign launched by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as its contributions to supporting global aviation compliance with international standards, particularly in safety, air navigation efficiency, security, and environmental preservation. He affirmed that the Kingdom will continue to significantly support these plans and collaborate with AFCAC, member states, and all international partners to develop a safe, sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly civil aviation industry in African countries.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) showcased its initiatives, programs, and achievements in enabling advanced air mobility during its participation in the Advanced Air Mobility Conference held from November 26 to 27 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Representing GACA, the Advisor to the Deputy CEO for Strategy and Business Intelligence, Mr. Khalid Al-Harthi, outlined the Authority’s efforts to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This includes the launch of a comprehensive roadmap for advanced air mobility, which has accelerated the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, facilitated the establishment of a new generation of vertical airports, and supported the development of infrastructure for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft – key elements of advanced air mobility. A visual presentation highlighted several successful initiatives across the Kingdom, such as the first successful VTOL flight test in the Neom region in June 2023 and the deployment of air taxi services during the Hajj season the same year. Mr. Al-Harthi emphasized the significance of international cooperation between civil aviation authorities to establish a unified regulatory framework that fosters the growth of the advanced aviation sector. He also stressed the Kingdom's commitment to promoting public-private sector partnerships and attracting leading advanced aircraft manufacturers to the Saudi market. As part of the conference agenda, GACA, represented by the Director General of Airworthiness, Mr. Matar Al-Zahrani, engaged in several technical meetings with Brazilian aviation officials. These discussions addressed key topics, including technical approvals for aircraft designs used in advanced air mobility operations, the exchange of expertise on best practices, and solutions to empower local industries to manufacture such aircraft in the Kingdom. The meetings also focused on ensuring compliance with international safety standards and exploring technical solutions to support the initial operations of advanced air mobility systems.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the General Directorate of General Aviation, organized a workshop with owners of light and sports aircraft to address key challenges in operating these aircraft. The event was held at the Saudi Flying Club headquarters in Al-Thumama. The workshop is part of GACA’s broader efforts under the “General Aviation Roadmap,” which aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for general aviation. This initiative seeks to create an attractive environment for aviation by unlocking the sector’s potential, establishing a strong foundation, and promoting sustainability. The roadmap also focuses on enhancing infrastructure and developing specialized centers for housing and maintaining aircraft, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030. Eng. Imtiaz bin Mohammed Al-Manzari, Director General of General Aviation at GACA, stated that the workshop's goal is to improve operational services for light and sport aircraft, facilitating smoother movement across the Kingdom for local and international owners, whether visiting or transiting during their travels. Notably, the Saudi Flying Club, established in 2000, represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the International Air Sports Federation (FAI) and is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). With over 500 members of various nationalities, the club oversees both locally and internationally registered aircraft. By collaborating with foreign aviation clubs, the Saudi Flying Club brings global insights and practices to enhance the light and sport aircraft sector in the Kingdom.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the start of regular commercial flights by Transavia France between Saudi Arabia and France. The flights will operate between Lyon and Paris, with routes extending to Jeddah during the winter season of 2024, with a frequency of two flights per week commencing on December 12. This is part of GACA's continuous endeavor to strengthen air connectivity and integrate the Kingdom into the global network, consistent with the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, and the National Aviation Strategy objective of forging new routes for air travel.

Saudi Arabia has secured the presidency of the Civil Aviation Security Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) for the third consecutive term after obtaining unanimous approval at the recent 40th committee meeting in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. This accomplishment underscores Saudi Arabia's pivotal role and constructive efforts in dealing with developments in the aviation industry, both regionally and globally. It clearly demonstrates the Kingdom's esteemed international standing in forums related to civil aviation and its proactive engagement in specialized international organizations in the field. On this occasion, Mohammed Al Fozan, Executive Vice-President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for Aviation Security and Chairman of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme– Middle East (CASP-MID), expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for their substantial and unwavering support for the civil aviation sector. He underlined the significance of enhancing collaborative Arab efforts in aviation security and the entire aviation transportation sector, as well as maintaining continuous communication to uphold the highest safety standards in this vital industry.