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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued its monthly report on the performance of the Kingdom's domestic and international airports for March 2025, based on 11 key performance indicators. The report aligns with GACA's strategic directions to improve services provided to passengers, raise service quality, and enhance the passenger experience at the Kingdom's airports. The report ranked King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Al-Gurayat Airport among the top-performing airports. Airports were categorized into five groups. In the first category for international airports with more than 15 million annual passengers, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh ranked first with 82% compliance, surpassing King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which came second with 73% compliance. In the second category for international airports with 5 to 15 million annual passengers, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam secured first place with 91% compliance, while Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah recorded 82% compliance. In the third category for international airports with 2 to 5 million annual passengers, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan ranked first with 100% compliance, followed by Abha International Airport with 100% compliance, with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan outperforming Abha International Airport in meeting performance standards. In the fourth category, for international airports with fewer than two million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, outperforming all competitors in average waiting times for arriving and departing flights. In the fifth category for domestic airports, Al-Qurayyat Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, outperforming all competitors in average waiting times for arriving and departing flights. GACA evaluates airport performance based on 11 key indicators, including passenger wait times at check-in, baggage claim, passport control and customs, as well as standards for travelers with disabilities. The criteria are designed to align with global best practices.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation in the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025), which took place April 14 to 17 in Doha, Qatar. The conference, titled "Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Cooperation, Efficiency, and Inclusiveness," was organized by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with ICAO. It saw participation from 190 countries, along with over 120 transport ministers and heads of civil aviation authorities from across the world. GACA’s involvement aligns with the goal of strengthening international collaboration and advancing regulations related to air transport. This includes fostering innovation, sharing ideas, deliberating on the future of air transport facilities, and examining the most recent advancements in air transport facilitation.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej has chaired the fifth meeting of regional civil aviation organizations.  The meeting was held in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Conference, taking place from April 14 to 17, 2025, in the Qatari capital, Doha, with the participation of senior officials from the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC).  The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation among regional civil aviation organizations and reviewed joint coordination efforts. It also addressed key priorities in preparation for the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and reaffirmed the strong commitment of regional aviation organizations to deepening cooperation and ensuring a unified approach toward the safe and sustainable development of global air transport.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), on Tuesday signed a number of air transport service agreements as part of its efforts to enhance regional and international cooperation in the civil aviation sector.  The signing took place during GACA's participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025), held in Doha, Qatar, from April 14 to 17. These agreements involved the Republic of Liberia, Grenada, the State of Samoa, the Republic of Fiji, and the Republic of Ecuador.  The agreements will regulate air transport, enhance civil aviation safety and security standards, and expand travel options.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), led by President His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, is participating in ICAO's FALC 2025 conference in Doha, which runs from April 14 to 17. Hosted by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) under the banner 'Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Collaboration, Efficiency, and Inclusivity,' the event gathers 190 national delegations, including over 120 transport ministers and aviation leaders from across the world. GACA's participation aims to strengthen international cooperation, improve air transport systems, foster innovation, exchange ideas on the future of air transport facilitation, and explore the latest developments in the civil aviation sector. FALC 2025 brings together nations, stakeholders, and aviation experts to explore the latest advancements in air transport facilitation and collaborate on a global strategy that enhances adaptability to rapid changes in civil aviation sector. Discussions at the conference address critical issues aimed at improving air transport facilitation, notably cooperation and coordination between relevant authorities, travel document security, border control, cargo clearance procedures, and automation. Additional dialogue sessions focus on the role of air transport facilitation in driving aviation industry growth and innovative approaches for sustainable development in civil aviation. Alongside the conference, a specialized exhibition showcases the accomplishments of participating countries and entities in the air transport facilitation and highlights equipment and systems improving the passenger experience. The conference will conclude with a ministerial announcement on aviation facilitation, aimed at enhancing air transport services by ensuring reliable and seamless aviation services for all. This announcement also seeks to guide public policy on critical facilitation matters, supporting ICAO’s strategic objectives related to aviation security and facilitation.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today announced the launch of a public tender to obtain a National Non-Scheduled (Charter) Air Carrier License. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of services provided to passengers, increase competitiveness, and support the Kingdom's National Aviation Sector Strategy's goals, which aims to serve 330 million passengers and reach over 250 international destinations by the year 2030. GACA invites interested parties to apply for the license by sending an official request to (CHRFP@gaca.gov.sa) to obtain the tender document, including applicant details and contact information. Submissions are open from the date of this announcement, with a deadline of Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Wednesday in the field of civil aviation between the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait.  The Kuwaiti side was represented by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Head Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah, in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khaled, on the sidelines of an official visit to the State of Kuwait.  The MoU aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of civil aviation. It covers areas of technical, administrative, regulatory, operational, and technological collaboration, in addition to enhancing aviation safety and security.  In the same context, a bilateral meeting was held during the signing ceremony to discuss issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance cooperation in the field of civil aviation.  The visit comes as part of efforts to expand international cooperation and exchange knowledge and expertise in the civil aviation industry, in support of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen its position as a global hub for aviation and air transport.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), today met with Mr. Ng Tee Chiou, Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), at GACA’s Riyadh headquarters. The two officials discussed matters of mutual interest and explored potential collaboration in the civil aviation sector.

The Seventh Meeting of the Aerodrome Safety, Planning and Implementation Group (ASPIG/7) kicked off today in Riyadh and will continue until April 10. The event is organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional Office in Cairo, and with the participation of representatives from the member states of the office, along with representatives from international organizations such as the Airports Council International (ACI), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA).  In his opening remarks, GACA Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability Captain Sulaiman Almuhaimedi welcomed the participants and expressed his hope that the meeting would result in sharing the best experiences and practices in air navigation and civil aviation safety. He stressed the importance of leveraging expertise and personnel, establishing the highest levels of aviation safety, and raising awareness of the latest developments related to the Air Navigation and Aviation Safety Group.  Almuhaimedi noted that the Kingdom is undergoing a remarkable transformation in the civil aviation sector, which plays a central role in its future vision and is an integral part of the National Aviation Strategy. He said Saudi Arabia's investments go beyond building world-class infrastructure to include systems, personnel, and partnerships that form the foundation of a safe, sustainable, and globally connected aviation sector.  The five-day meeting aims to discuss the technical aspects of airport operations, develop airport safety policies and standards, exchange expertise, analyze challenges, and explore available opportunities. Hosting this event highlights the Kingdom's prominent and active role through GACA in boosting aviation safety standards and ensuring sustainability at the regional and international levels.

In the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, President of GACA Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej today handed over the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air Tony Douglas, officially authorizing the new national carrier to commence scheduled flights to and from airports across the Kingdom.  The issuance of the certificate follows Riyadh Air's successful fulfillment of all regulatory and operational requirements in accordance with the executive regulations of the Civil Aviation Law, particularly those related to safety, security, and operational quality standards.  This milestone reflects GACA's commitment to upholding world-class regulatory practices. The updated AOC marks a significant step toward enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining the highest aviation safety standards. It also supports GACA's broader efforts to create an attractive investment environment and to foster the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector, in line with the goals of the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.  Minister Al-Jasser emphasized that the issuance of the AOC to Riyadh Air represents a foundational pillar of the Kingdom's aviation strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the Middle East’s leading aviation hub by 2030. The strategy includes transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents, supporting tourism objectives, and establishing Riyadh as a global gateway and central hub for transportation, trade, and tourism.  Riyadh Air plans to operate flights to over 100 international destinations by 2030. The airline has placed orders for more than 132 aircraft and is expected to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the aviation sector, contributing an estimated SAR75 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP.  

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), extended his congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as to the Saudi people, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. His Excellency noted that the dedication of the Kingdom’s leadership to serving pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques is seen in the coordinated efforts to streamline services at Saudi airports during the peak Umrah season. Institutional support for Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector has driven significant operational improvements and upgrading of nationwide airport facilities. Through public-private collaboration, this dynamic sector offers premium services to travelers and pilgrims while fulfilling the National Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030 goals. Al-Duailej drew attention to the notable increase in air passenger numbers during the peak Umrah season. The broad ecosystem of the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector enables smooth arrivals and departures via advanced technologies including self-service passenger processing, which reduce delays while integrating airport systems with other transportation modes. His Excellency affirmed that operational teams have worked round the clock at maximum readiness, to ensure a seamless travel experience. Concluding his message, Al-Duailej prayed that Almighty God would accept everyone’s fasting and prayers and to bless the Kingdom, its leadership, and its people with prosperity, grace, and abundance on the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today launched its monthly report tracking airport and national carrier flight punctuality for February 2025, measuring arrivals and departures within a 15-minute window of scheduled times. The report offers passengers transparent insights into airline and airport scheduling compliance, with the aim of improving service quality, raising standards, and enhancing the overall passenger experience. The report indicates that Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport, Jazan’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport, NEOM Bay International Airport, and Sharurah Airport all achieved leading positions. The report divides airports into five categories, with King Khalid International Airport ranking first in the category of international airports serving over 15 million passengers annually, achieving an 86% compliance rate. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, ranked number one in the category of international airports serving 5-15 million passengers annually, with 85% compliance. In the category of international airports serving 2-5 million passengers annually, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan, attained first place, at 92% compliance. NEOM Bay International Airport achieved first place in the fourth category of international airports serving less than two million passengers annually, with 93% compliance, while Sharurah Airport topped the fifth category for domestic airports, hitting 97% compliance. Among national carriers, Saudia led the rankings with 88% on-time arrival rate and 90% on-time departures. Flynas achieved compliance rates of 79% for arrivals and 82% for departures, and flyadeal achieved 84% for arrivals and 90% for departures. The report also spotlights top-performing routes, with the domestic Jazan-Riyadh flight showing 97% compliance, while Riyadh-Amman flight ranked first among international flights with a compliance rate of 94%. These latest GACA initiatives contribute to Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a leading regional aviation hub via boosting of operational standards, efficiency and passenger service.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), today met with Mr. Tarik Talbi, Morocco’s Director General of Civil Aviation, at GACA ’s Riyadh headquarters. The two officials discussed matters of mutual interest and explored potential enhancement of bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the committee responsible for reviewing violations of Civil Aviation Law, released its report for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. It detailed the issuance of 147 violations and the imposition of financial penalties exceeding SAR3.8 million on entities and individuals found in contravention of the law, its implementing regulations, and instructions issued by GACA.  The report indicated two violations against air carriers for non-compliance with the Passenger Name Record (PNR) system and for failure to adhere to competition regulations, totaling SAR15,000 in fines. Furthermore, 63 violations were issued against air carriers for failing to verify passengers' required documentation and for non-compliance with approved time slots, resulting in fines exceeding SAR1 million.  The committee issued 61 violations against air carriers for non-compliance with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations, with total fines exceeding SAR2.7 million. Additionally, 21 violations were issued against individual passengers for failing to follow aviation safety instructions and for engaging in disruptive behavior onboard aircraft, with total fines amounting to SAR12,400.  These measures underscore GACA's commitment to transparency, its ongoing regulatory and supervisory role in the aviation sector, its dedication to improving the passenger experience, and its focus on enhancing the quality of air transport services in the Kingdom.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has released its monthly report on the performance of Saudi Arabia's domestic and international airports for February 2025, based on 11 key performance indicators. The report aligns with GACA's objectives to enhance service quality and improve the overall travel experience at the country’s airports. The report highlights the top-performing airports, ranking Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, Dammam's King Fahd International Airport, Jazan's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Arar International Airport, and Al-Qurayyat Airport among the best. Airports were categorized into five groups based on annual passenger traffic. In the first category, for international airports handling more than 15 million passengers annually, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport ranked first with 82% compliance, followed closely by Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, also at 82%. However, Riyadh’s airport outperformed Jeddah’s in meeting key criteria. In the second category, for international airports with five to fifteen million annual passengers, Dammam's King Fahd International Airport claimed the top spot with 91% compliance, while Madinah's Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport followed with 82%. In the third category, for international airports with two to five million annual passengers, Jazan’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport and Abha International Airport both achieved 100% compliance, with Jazan’s airport scoring higher in performance standards. In the fourth category, for international airports with fewer than two million passengers annually, Arar International Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, leading in average waiting times for arrivals and departures. In the fifth category for domestic airports, Al-Qurayyat Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, outperforming all competitors in average waiting times for arriving and departing flights. GACA evaluates airport performance based on 11 key indicators, including passenger wait times at check-in, baggage claim, passport control and customs, as well as standards for travelers with disabilities. The criteria are designed to align with global best practices.