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Today, His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), received His Excellency Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting reviewed issues of mutual interest and explored ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of air transport.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that it has granted VistaJet, a leading company specializing in private aviation, the Foreign Operator Certificate, making it the first foreign private aviation company to receive this certification to operate domestic flights within the Kingdom.   The issuance of this certificate comes as part of GACA’s decision to allow foreign operators of private aircraft to conduct on demand flights within the Kingdom starting from May 1, 2025, after meeting all requirements and standards set out in the Civil Aviation Law’s executive regulations.   Awad bin Attallah Al Sulami, Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Services at GACA, explained that granting the Air Operator Certificate to VistaJet as the first foreign operator of private aircraft for domestic operations in the Kingdom marks an important step towards advancing private aviation services. He noted that this move will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and enhance service quality.   The issuance of the Air Operator Certificate is also one of the key pillars in achieving the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom’s aviation sector as the leading player in the Middle East by 2030 and to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents. Private aviation, he stressed, represents a vital enabler for both business and tourism within and beyond the Kingdom.   VistaJet will commence its operations in the Kingdom as a strategic step that reflects the Kingdom’s vision of attracting high value investments and strengthening its position in the global aviation industry. This milestone underscores GACA’s commitment to applying the highest safety standards while enhancing the private aviation experience and ensuring service quality. It also aligns with GACA’s ongoing efforts to provide an attractive investment environment and extend full support to enable civil aviation activities, contributing to the goals of the Aviation Program and reinforcing GACA’s role as the regulator of the air transport industry in the Kingdom. By building strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders, GACA seeks to further empower the sector, raise operational efficiency, and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) earned the international accreditation certificate for the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015), after successfully meeting all requirements of external review and audit with no nonconformity remarks, reflecting the efficiency of its environmental ecosystem and its commitment to the highest global standards in this field. The certificate was presented during a reception at the authority headquarters in Riyadh, where GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej received CEO of TUV Austria, the accreditation-granting company Muteb Al-Seif, in the presence of several officials from both sides. The achievement reaffirms GACA's commitment to applying the best environmental practices and achieving the objectives of the Saudi Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program (CAESP) by enabling the sector to adopt effective environmental policies and standards that ensure operational continuity and efficiency, in line with the Kingdom’s environmental commitments under Saudi Vision 2030. GACA reiterated its firm commitment to developing its environmental ecosystem and enhancing sustainability practices through CAESP, ensuring continuous improvement of environmental performance, raising the quality of services, and boosting the sector’s competitiveness.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded this evening in Riyadh the activities of the “AVITHON Hackathon 2025,” organized in cooperation with Elm Company and the Saudi Digital Program, with the attendance of senior officials, experts, and innovators. In a speech delivered during the closing ceremony, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, stated that the “AVITHON Hackathon” represents a leading national platform that reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to transforming innovation into reality, contributing to the development of the aviation sector and the achievement of Vision 2030 objectives. He said: “The Aviation Program, stemming from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, has charted an ambitious vision for the future of this sector. It is centered on making the Kingdom a global hub for air connectivity, increasing annual passenger capacity to 330 million, and boosting air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tonnes by 2030, alongside developing infrastructure and enhancing sustainability in all aspects of operations.” He added: “To achieve these targets, we at GACA believe that innovation and modern technologies are the main drivers for improving operational efficiency, delivering exceptional user experiences, and strengthening the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage.” His Excellency praised the creative ideas and innovative solutions presented by the participants, noting that they were not merely technical projects but inspiring stories proving that determination and hard work can shape a more advanced and efficient future. He extended his appreciation to all partners, supporting entities, organizing committees, and everyone who contributed to the success of this challenge. The ceremony also featured a visual presentation chronicling the journey of the hackathon since its launch, followed by the presentation of the five most innovative ideas to the judging panel and the audience. At the conclusion of the event, His Excellency the GACA President crowned the winning teams after months of competition that brought together creative young talents from across the Kingdom. The ceremony also included honoring the organizing team and supporting partners. It is noteworthy that the “AVITHON Hackathon 2025” registered 1,720 participants representing 491 teams, who presented ideas and solutions across three main tracks: enhancing the customer experience in the aviation sector, sustainability in aviation, and aviation safety and security. A total of 241 participants, representing the top 50 teams, advanced to the semi-finals, while 60 participants, representing the top 15 teams, were awarded in the final judging stage. The event also featured more than 100 mentoring sessions for 50 teams, 300 written consultations for participants, and 80 workshops attended by 190 participants, with a total duration of 572 minutes. In addition, 357 questions were raised during the workshops, with a satisfaction rate of 98 percent. The challenge went through three successive judging stages conducted by three independent committees, under the supervision and follow-up of a higher committee from GACA to ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

Today, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), met with His Excellency Mr. Ahmad Farooq, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the civil aviation sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the results of its 2024 Airport Service Quality Comprehensive Evaluation Program. The initiative, part of GACA’s broader strategic programs, aims to assess the quality of services provided to passengers across the Kingdom’s airports and enhance the overall travel experience. The 2024 edition of the Saudi Airports Awards was held during the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Activation of the Aviation Program, which took place today in Riyadh. The event was attended by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej, along with CEOs of airport companies and representatives from both public and private sector stakeholders operating within Saudi airports. During the ceremony, the results of the evaluation program were presented, followed by GACA President Al Duailej honoring the winning airports with commemorative plaques in recognition of their efforts throughout the past year. The awards aimed to promote positive competitiveness, reinforce transparency, and recognize the outstanding performance witnessed across the Kingdom’s airports. The awards were divided into two categories. The main awards recognized top-performing airports in each category based on passenger volume, with evaluations covering all elements of the comprehensive program including operational performance standards, facility and service quality assessments, passenger satisfaction surveys, and complaint handling. The secondary awards focused on excellence in key travel areas and processes within airports, such as check-in, passport control, security screening, customs inspection, baggage claim, services for persons with disabilities, and the most improved airport compared to 2023. Engineer Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Dahmash, Executive Vice President for Quality and Customer Experience, noted that in 2024, GACA issued nearly 500 reports under the program. These included 336 monthly reports on operational performance, 112 quarterly reports covering service standards and passenger satisfaction, 27 semiannual summary reports, and 28 annual reports summarizing overall results for the year. Al Dahmash stated that thanks to the collaborative efforts of airports and related entities, notable improvements were observed. The average overall score achieved by Saudi airports in the 2024 evaluation reached 86 percent, marking a 4 percent increase compared to the previous year. GACA classified airports into five categories based on the nature and volume of air traffic in 2024, setting tailored performance targets for each category. The authority also implemented a series of detailed criteria to improve the passenger experience. These efforts included monitoring and tracking performance indicators related to service quality, measuring passenger satisfaction, and involving stakeholders and beneficiaries in service improvement efforts. It is worth noting that GACA continues to prioritize enhancing the travel experience in Saudi airports in line with its supervisory and regulatory role over the aviation and airport sector. The authority regularly conducts field inspections and publishes monthly reports on operational performance and complaint metrics for both airport service providers and airlines. These efforts aim to evaluate current service levels and drive continuous improvement in line with international standards, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to deliver world class service quality.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced a notable increase in the number of passengers and flights in the Kingdom during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Passenger numbers rose by 7% in the past six months, reaching over 66 million, up from 62 million in the same period last year. The number of flights increased by 4%, with nearly 463,800 flights recorded, compared to 445,800 flights in the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, air cargo volumes declined by 4%, reaching 575,000 tons compared to 597,000 tons in the same period of 2024. The number of destinations also grew by eight, reaching 140 destinations compared to 132 in the same period last year. These announcements were made during the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Activation of the Aviation Program, chaired by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA. The meeting was held in Riyadh in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Hassan, Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, as well as vice presidents, CEOs, officials, and directors representing national airlines and companies operating in the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector. During the meeting, His Excellency Al-Duailej expressed appreciation for the substantial support extended to the civil aviation sector by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He also reviewed key achievements both locally and internationally, including the launch of Dammam Airports Company’s strategic plan, which aims to serve over 19.3 million passengers annually at King Fahd International Airport by 2030 and increase cargo capacity to more than 600,000 tons per year. Additionally, GACA announced the awarding of a new low-cost national airline license to a consortium led by Air Arabia in partnership with Nesma Holding and Kun Holding. The airline will operate domestic and international flights to and from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, serving 24 domestic and 57 international destinations. The initiative aims to enhance air connectivity, transport nearly 10 million passengers annually via the airport by 2030, create more than 2,400 direct jobs, and contribute to the national GDP in line with the goals of the aviation sector program, while boosting tourism in Dammam and the Eastern Region. On the international front, the civil aviation sector participated in the Paris Air Show in June, where Saudi carriers announced significant aircraft purchase deals to support long-term goals in air connectivity and capacity expansion. Riyadh Air signed an agreement to purchase 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for 25 additional aircraft. Meanwhile, AviLease submitted its first direct order to Airbus for up to 77 aircraft. At the Farnborough Air Show, the Saudi Group announced an order for ten Airbus A330-900 aircraft for its subsidiary flyadeal. GACA also took part this July in the High-Level Aviation Week in Singapore and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group. Furthermore, a delegation visited Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to sign an air services agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Mongolia. His Excellency Al-Duailej emphasized the importance of redoubling efforts to improve the overall performance of the sector, strengthen civil aviation’s role, and enhance its competitiveness to meet the leadership’s aspirations for the development of this vital sector in service of citizens and travelers. He commended all employees in the civil aviation ecosystem for their dedication and collaborative efforts despite the challenges facing the industry. The meeting also discussed updates on the activation of the aviation program, progress on recommendations from the 16th steering committee meeting, and updates on strategies, goals, and priorities of national airlines and companies operating in the Kingdom's airports, ensuring alignment with the aviation program. In addition, GACA announced the results of the 2024 Airport Service Quality Comprehensive Evaluation Program. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej honored the top-performing airports in recognition of their efforts, promoting positive competition, transparency, and outstanding performance across the Kingdom’s airports. Awards were presented in two categories: main awards for the highest-rated airports in each passenger volume category, based on all evaluation program elements — including operational performance, service and facility quality, passenger satisfaction surveys, and complaints. Secondary awards were also presented for excellence in specific areas of the passenger journey within airports, such as check-in, passport control, security screening, customs inspection, baggage claim, services for passengers with disabilities, and the most improved airport compared to 2023.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the successful implementation of its operational plan for the Hajj season 1446 AH, revealing that more than 19 million passengers and pilgrims were transported by air through over 128,000 flights. The extensive operation took place between April 29 and July 10, 2025, and involved the participation of 116 air carriers from around the world.  GACA confirmed that more than 1.4 million pilgrims arrived at six major international airports across the Kingdom, utilizing 12 dedicated departure terminals. The achievement was made possible through the close coordination of over 25 government, security, and operational entities, supported by a workforce of more than 18,000 male and female employees. Their efforts ensured a seamless and efficient travel experience for the pilgrims, in line with Saudi Arabia’s long-standing commitment to facilitating the Hajj journey.  These accomplishments were highlighted during a ceremony held today at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, under the patronage of GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej. The event honored the various entities that contributed to the success of the operational plans for the Hajj and Umrah seasons.  Among the key services that stood out this year was the “Passengers with No Bags” initiative, which aimed to streamline the pilgrim journey by managing luggage transport directly from airports to pilgrims' places of residence. The number of beneficiaries surpassed one million, with more than 1.6 million pieces of luggage transported. Additionally, the initiative facilitated the pre-shipment of over 856,000 bottles of Zamzam water.  Another milestone was the initiative to connect Hajj flights with the Haramain High Speed Railway, in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This initiative enabled 253,000 pilgrims to travel comfortably and efficiently between the airports and the holy sites, improving the overall transportation experience and reducing congestion on traditional ground routes.  GACA also played a key role in the Ministry of Interior’s “Makkah Route” initiative, one of the flagship programs under the broader “Pilgrims Experience Program” within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.  GACA designated six international airports to receive pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The latter two served as key hubs for connecting pilgrims’ flights. In close coordination with relevant government agencies, the air transport system worked diligently to ensure the highest levels of operational efficiency throughout the Hajj season.  The authority participated as a member of the supervisory committee and designated special terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah for the reception of pilgrims arriving through the initiative. Flights were carefully scheduled to avoid overlapping arrivals, contributing to a streamlined entry process.  The success of the Hajj season 1446 AH is part of a broader strategy led by GACA to elevate the Kingdom’s aviation sector, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic Services. This vision seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a regional aviation hub by the year 2030. Among the goals are increasing passenger traffic to 330 million annually, expanding air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons, and boosting air connectivity to reach 250 international destinations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the winner of the competition for a new national low-cost carrier based in Dammam: the "Air Arabia Alliance." The new carrier will operate domestic and international flights to and from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, contributing to enhanced air connectivity for Eastern Region, increased seat capacity, improved service quality for travelers, and creating a competitive environment that offers more choices, all in line with the objectives of the aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The announcement came during a ceremony in which Governor of Eastern Region Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the new identity and master plan for the King Fahd International Airport. The event also included the unveiling of the master plans for Al-Ahsa and Qaisumah international airports, the launch of the Dammam Airports Strategy, and the inauguration of a package of integrated development projects with a value exceeding SAR1.6 billion. The announcement followed a public competition that attracted bids from several low-cost airlines aiming to establish a new Saudi-majority-owned national carrier headquartered in Dammam. The winning bid came from a consortium comprising Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and Kun Investment Holding, which submitted the most competitive proposal. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA Saleh Al-Jasser said: “The Kingdom, under the support of its wise leadership, is witnessing unprecedented advancements in aviation and air transport projects, initiatives, and services.” He noted that launching a new low-cost carrier in Eastern Region is one of the initiatives of the aviation program derived from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej stressed that establishing a new low-cost national carrier based in Dammam is a major step toward achieving the aviation program’s goals. He highlighted that this step reflects GACA’s commitment to creating a competitive environment that offers more options for travelers across the Kingdom, especially in Eastern Region. He also pointed out that the volume and quality of the bids submitted illustrate the strong investment appeal of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. The new national low-cost carrier based in Dammam is expected to expand travel options by serving 24 domestic and 57 international destinations. It aims to connect nearly 10 million passengers annually through King Fahd International Airport by 2030, in support of the sector’s strategic goals. The project will also create over 2,400 direct jobs, contribute to GDP growth targets under the aviation program, and support economic development and tourism in Dammam and Eastern Region. The alliance is expected to complete licensing procedures and begin operations in 2026.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and President of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej participated in Singapore’s High-Level Aviation Week, organized by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Singapore from July 13 to 18. The event brought together transport ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders from the aviation and maritime sectors to exchange insights on current and future challenges and the evolving landscape of global transport. Al-Duailej took part in a session where he addressed the significant challenges facing the global aviation industry, particularly managing the rapid surge in travel demand. Citing Airports Council International (ACI) estimates, he noted that global passenger numbers are expected to reach 12 billion by 2030, placing increasing pressure on infrastructure, supply chains, regulatory frameworks, human capital, and sustainability initiatives. He also highlighted regional challenges in the Middle East, including airspace closures, and the opportunities they present to enhance operational efficiency, expand workforce training, and develop innovative solutions to ensure safety and the seamless flow of air traffic. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia has rerouted approximately 41,000 flights in recent months, demonstrating the region’s agility, coordination, and commitment to maintaining operational continuity. Al-Duailej said the Middle East Green Initiative is a regional model for collaborative environmental action, and outlined several initiatives under GACA’s Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program, which support both national and international climate goals. The program includes carbon-neutral airports, such as Red Sea International Airport, which supplies sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to all operating airlines; an initiative to plant one million trees across airport sites by 2030; comprehensive waste sorting and recycling programs at major airports; and strategic partnerships with global organizations to promote best practices in environmental management. Al-Duailej also attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group, which aims to strengthen cooperation in key strategic areas, including enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, raising safety and security standards, expanding air connectivity, and sharing expertise in airport technologies and automation.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has released its June 2025 classification index for air transport service providers and airports, revealing insights into passenger complaints submitted directly to GACA to promote transparency, guide traveler decisions, and encourage service improvements across the aviation sector. A total of 1,370 passenger complaints were lodged against air carriers in June. flynas emerged as the top performer, recording the fewest complaints with 26 per 100,000 passengers and achieving a 100% on-time complaint resolution rate. Saudia Airlines ranked second with 32 complaints per 100,000 passengers, also maintaining a 100% resolution rate. flyadeal came third with 34 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 100% timely resolution rate as well. The most common complaint categories for the month were flight-related issues, followed by baggage services and ticketing. In the airport classifications, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh demonstrated the lowest complaint rate among international airports handling over six million passengers annually, with just 0.4 per 100,000 passengers (15 complaints) and a 100% timely resolution rate. Abha International Airport led the category for international airports with less than six million annual passengers, recording the lowest complaint rate at 2 per 100,000 passengers, based on one complaint, and a 100% timely resolution rate. For domestic airports, King Saud Airport had the lowest complaint rate, also at 2 per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, and a 100% timely resolution rate. GACA emphasized that this monthly report provides travelers with crucial information on service provider performance in addressing customer complaints, empowering them to make informed decisions. It also highlights the authority’s commitment to transparency and dedication to resolving passenger concerns while fostering healthy competition among aviation entities to elevate service standards. To support its airport partners, GACA has developed and distributed a comprehensive booklet containing guidelines for handling passenger complaints, including specific controls and service level agreements. The authority also conducts workshops to train employees of national airlines and ground handling companies on complying with customer rights protection regulations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its monthly report today on the punctuality performance of airports and national carriers for June 2025, based on flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times. This report provides travelers with insights into the commitment of airlines and airports to maintaining timetables and support efforts to enhance service quality and improve passenger experience. 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 in the top rankings. Airports were categorized into five groups. In the category of international airports serving over 15 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured an 89% compliance rate. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam achieved 87% compliance in the category of international airports with five to 15 million passengers annually. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk led with a 94% compliance rate for international airports with two to five million passengers. AlUla International Airport achieved 97% compliance in the category for international airports with fewer than two million passengers, while King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha achieved a perfect 100% compliance rate among domestic airports. At the airline level, Saudia Airlines recorded a 92% compliance rate for arrivals and 91% for departures. flynas achieved 89% for arrivals and 90% for departures, while flyadeal achieved 92% for arrivals and 93% for departures. The report also noted key domestic and international routes, highlighting that the Tabuk-Riyadh flight showed a 97% compliance rate in local traffic, and the Jeddah-Abu Dhabi flight led international routes with a 94% compliance rate. These efforts align with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading regional aviation hub by improving operational standards and service quality.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released today its monthly report for June 2025, evaluating the performance of Saudi Arabia’s international and domestic airports based on 11 key performance indicators, in line with strategic directives to improve service quality and enhance the overall passenger experience across the Kingdom. In the category of international airports serving over 15 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top position with an 82% compliance rate, followed by King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with 73% compliance. In the second category of international airports handling between five and 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam ranked first with a 91% compliance rate. Although Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah also achieved 91%, King Fahd International Airport outperformed it in meeting overall compliance standards. Abha International Airport achieved first place in the third category, for international airports handling two to five million passengers annually, with a perfect 100% compliance rate, notably outperforming its competitors in average wait times for both departures and arrivals. In the fourth category of international airports handling under two million passengers annually, Arar International Airport secured first place with a 100% compliance rate, also excelling in average wait times. Al-Qurayyat Airport led the domestic airport category, achieving a 100% compliance rate and surpassing all competitors in combined average wait times for departures and arrivals. GACA’s rigorous airport performance evaluation system is based on 11 crucial criteria, primarily including passenger wait times at check-in, baggage claim, passport control, and customs. The evaluation also incorporates specific criteria related to services for persons with disabilities, along with several other benchmarks, all aligned with international best practices.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued the Beneficiary Care Center’s statistics report for the first half of 2025. The report revealed that the center handled 159,555 interactions across its communication channels, including: 74,945 incoming calls via the call center, 18,966 email messages, 6,067 private messages through Platform X, 33,902 interactions via the official website, 24,645 automated and live chats on WhatsApp, in addition to 1,030 video calls handled via the sign language support line. GACA’s Beneficiary Care Center operates according to the highest standards of quality, with a beneficiary satisfaction rate of 86%, an average response time of 27 seconds, an average call duration of 3.45 minutes, and a missed‑call rate of only 4% of total interactions. The first‑contact resolution rate reached 85%, with the quality of service measured by the center’s ability to solve inquiries without requiring follow‑up. The center is proudly staffed by a team of ambitious and skilled Saudi men and women. The Beneficiary Care Center also serves the deaf community through video call support, providing all services in sign language via live interaction with customer service representatives. These interactions take place through a dedicated channel that protects privacy, meets individual needs, and collects feedback through a satisfaction survey at the end of every session. Through these diverse communication channels, GACA aims to strengthen engagement with travelers and ensure their satisfaction by offering around‑the‑clock access to services. The Beneficiary Care Center plays a key role in supporting GACA’s regulatory oversight by utilizing advanced technologies to monitor all operations and interactions in real time, analyze customer data and feedback, and track performance across all channels. It is worth noting that GACA, represented by its Beneficiary Care Center under the Quality and Customer Experience Sector, won two gold awards in the categories of “Best Public Service Center” and “Best Customer Service” across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The awards were received during GACA’s participation in the Contact Center World Annual Conference, held in Berlin, Germany from May 27 to 29, 2025. This achievement reflects GACA’s commitment to streamlining complaint‑handling procedures, ensuring transparency, and addressing complaints in accordance with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation. It also demonstrates the Authority’s dedication to raising awareness of passenger rights, providing efficient communication channels, and simplifying the process for obtaining compensation as outlined in the regulation.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej met today with Minister of Road and Transport of the Republic of Mongolia Borkhuu Delgersaikhan, during his official visit to Mongolia. The two officials discussed several topics of common interest and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation between their countries. During the meeting, Al-Duailej signed an air transport services agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Mongolia, aimed at enhancing cooperation in air transport services based on mutual interests and respect, in accordance with the laws and regulations of both nations. It also establishes regulatory frameworks governing air transport between the two countries. This agreement supports the Saudi civil aviation sector’s strategy to build international partnerships, boost global relations, and expand the operational network of Saudi national carriers.