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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued the classification index for air transport service providers and airports, based on the number of complaints submitted by travelers to the authority during February 2025. GACA clarified that the number of passenger complaints regarding airlines totaled 1,169. It noted that Saudi Arabian Airlines had the fewest complaints, with 20 complaints per 100,000 passengers, and a complaint resolution rate of 100% within the specified timeframe for February. Following in second place was Flynas, with 25 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate within the timeframe. Air Arabia came in third with 31 complaints per 100,000 passengers, also achieving a 100% resolution rate within the specified timeframe. The most frequently reported issues in February were related to baggage services, followed by flight services and ticketing. The authority also highlighted that King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah had the fewest complaints among airports, with 0.4% of complaints per 100,000 passengers. This was measured in the index for international airports with annual passenger numbers exceeding 6 million, totaling 22 complaints, and a complaint resolution rate of 100%. Moreover, Taif International Airport had the fewest complaints in the index for international airports with fewer than 6 million annual passengers, registering 1% of complaints per 100,000 passengers, or two complaints, with a 100% resolution rate. In the domestic airports index, Arar Airport had the lowest complaint rate, with 14% per 100,000 passengers, amounting to one complaint, and a 100% resolution rate. GACA emphasized that the publication of the monthly report on the classification of air transport service providers and airports (based on complaints submitted to the authority) aims to provide travelers with information on the performance of service providers and airports in addressing customer complaints. This enables travelers to choose the most suitable service provider while also enhancing transparency, demonstrating the authority’s commitment to handling passenger complaints, and fostering fair competition among service providers to improve services. To support its airport partners, GACA has prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to handle passenger complaints at airports. The booklet was distributed to airport operators and includes regulations and service level agreements to be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries. Additionally, training workshops have been organized for employees of national airlines and ground services companies, who have direct contact with passengers, to ensure compliance with the Executive Regulations for the Protection of Customer Rights. It is worth noting that GACA has provided multiple communication channels around the clock to ensure interaction with travelers and airport visitors through the following contact channels: the Unified Call Center (1929), WhatsApp service at 0115253333, social media accounts, email, and the official website. These channels receive complaints related to boarding passes, employee behavior, services for people with disabilities, limited mobility, and other issues.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) was today bestowed the Consumer Compensation Path Award by the Consumer Protection Association (CPA), in recognition of its outstanding efforts to safeguard consumer rights and to deliver high-quality services that enhance customer satisfaction and optimize the travel experience. The award ceremony took place in Riyadh, coinciding with World Consumer Rights Day and celebrating organizations and individuals who have significantly contributed to the objectives of the CPA. The award honors GACA's efforts to prioritize the rights of travelers via a competitive environment that improves the overall travel experience. This includes the streamlining of complaint procedures, maintaining transparency and addressing complaints as per established regulations. GACA’s accessible channels of communication ease the process for claiming compensation, as outlined in the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation (PRPR). The recently implemented PRPR replaces GACA’s previous Executive Regulation for Customer Rights Protection, and reflects the Authority's commitment to guarantee all consumer rights associated with the traveler's journey – delivering an improved travel experience and the provision of services at the highest standard of quality. The PRPR aims for a fair balance between travelers and air carriers as per the air transport contract, while enhancing competitiveness through compliance with its provisions. GACA launched the "Know Your Rights" campaign to ensure that travelers are fully aware of their rights, know how to utilize the PRPR, and understand the importance of contacting airlines when encountering difficulties during travel. The Authority has dedicated accounts on social media channels and on the GACA website, in addition to airport screens with QR codes linking to relevant information about consumer rights. During the ceremony, Eng. Faisal Al Hobayb of GACA signed a MoU with CPA’s Ahmed Al Mahalaki to foster the continued protection of consumer rights and to activate a unified electronic guide to consumer rights and duties. The Consumer Compensation Path Award encourages government, private and non-profit entities to enhance the consumer experience and to contribute to the development of a competitive environment that attracts foreign investment, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Chairman, today inspected the facilities of Madinah’s Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. He was accompanied by GACA President H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, along with government officials and senior executives from the civil aviation sector. H.E. Al-Jasser reviewed the airport's preparations for pilgrimage traffic and evaluated its procedures to ensure smooth passenger flow during the peak Umrah season of Ramadan 1446H. His inspection focused on operational plans to optimize services for and enhance the comfort of visiting pilgrims, via coordinated efforts between government entities, security providers and operational partners. H.E. Al-Jasser emphasized the need to streamline the movement of visitors, in order to deliver an optimum travel experience during both arrival and departure. This initiative aligns with the directives of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to provide an exceptional level of service to the guests of Allah, while supporting the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the National Aviation Strategy, and Saudi Vision 2030 programs.

His Excellency, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Shahin Abdullayev, at GACA's headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, officials reviewed topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

His Excellency, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership, may God protect them, for launching the fifth edition of the National Charity Campaign. He praised the generous donation made by 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, may God protect them both, through the "Ehsan" platform. His Excellency affirmed that this generous support reflects the leadership’s commitment to enhancing the values of giving and social solidarity in the Kingdom, as well as developing and advancing the charitable sector. He also appreciated the prominent role played by the "Ehsan" platform in enabling the community to donate through official channels. In conclusion, His Excellency prayed to Almighty Allah to reward the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, may God protect them, for their ongoing support, and to place it in their record of good deeds. He also prayed for the continued blessings of security, stability, and prosperity upon the Kingdom.

Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Board, Saleh Al-Jasser, on Thursday inaugurated the integrated transit cargo inspection center at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej attended the inauguration. The opening of the center represents a strategic step and follows the inauguration of similar centers last week at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The center is part of efforts to enhance the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub by implementing quality projects aimed at improving the efficiency of air cargo procedures in line with the latest security concepts. These initiatives integrate advanced technologies and reflect the commitment to providing the latest security systems and equipment at transit cargo inspection centers. Such efforts contribute to the strategic objectives of the civil aviation sector and enhance effective coordination among all relevant parties, in line with the latest global technologies, while realizing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The integrated air cargo inspection system relies on advanced technologies, including X-ray inspection devices for consolidated cargo and smart system integration to ensure speed and accuracy in inspection operations. The center automates processes and employs smart analytics for comprehensive monitoring, while continuously improving handling operations, reducing wait times, and enhancing operational efficiency. The integrated transit cargo inspection centers are staffed by a team of trained national personnel from various security agencies, working around the clock from cargo registration through multi-level radiation inspection to the final decision-making process. Such comprehensive follow-up ensures the highest levels of security and flexibility for transit shipments. GACA continues to exert all efforts to develop the air cargo sector by increasing capacity, improving the logistics work environment, and providing professional services that contribute to enhancing operational efficiency and expediting processes.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Kingdom, Mr. Rudolf Michalka, at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, topics of mutual interest were discussed, and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of air transport were explored.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, met today with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom, Mr. Ahmed Farooq, at the Authority's headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they reviewed matters of mutual interest and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of civil aviation.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today launched its monthly report tracking airport and national carrier flight punctuality, 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 heightening the overall passenger experience. Eng. Abdulaziz Aldahmash, Executive Vice President, Quality and Customer Experience at GACA, stated that the punctuality tracking report supplements existing monthly performance evaluations of airports and airlines' service quality. He emphasized that this new initiative demonstrates GACA's commitment as a regulatory authority that puts passengers first while promoting ongoing enhancement of the Kingdom's aviation sector. The first edition of 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 81% compliance rate. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam ranked number one in the category of international airports serving 5-15 million passengers annually, with 81% compliance. In the category of international airports serving 2-5 million passengers annually, Jazan’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport attained first place, at 91% compliance. NEOM Bay International Airport was awarded pole position in the category of international airports serving less than two million passengers annually, with 97% compliance, while Sharurah Airport topped the fifth category for domestic airports, hitting 97% compliance. Among national carriers, Saudia led the rankings with 86% on-time arrival rate and 88% on-time departures. Flynas achieved compliance rates of 71% for arrivals and 75% for departures, and flyadeal maintained 80% for arrivals and 83% for departures. The report also spotlights top-performing routes, with the domestic Abha-Jeddah service recording 95% on-time performance, and the international Dammam-Dubai route leading at 93% compliance. 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 continuous boosting of operational standards, efficiency and passenger service.

His Excellency, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duaij, extended his congratulations to 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 — may God protect them — on the occasion of the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. His Excellency prayed to Allah Almighty to accept the fasting, prayers, and good deeds of the Muslims, and to grant the occasion many more years of joy and blessings. He also prayed for continued peace, stability, prosperity, and growth for the Kingdom under its wise leadership.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued its monthly report on the performance of the Kingdom's domestic and international airports for January 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 Jizan, Arar 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 82% compliance, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh outperforming King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in meeting performance standards. In the second category for international airports with 5 to 15 million annual passengers, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam secured first place with 82% compliance, while Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded 73% compliance. In the third category for international airports with two to five million annual passengers, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan ranked first with 100% compliance, followed by Abha International Airport with 100% compliance, with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan outperforming Abha International Airport in meeting performance standards. In the fourth category for international airports with fewer than two million annual passengers, Arar International Airport ranked first with 100% compliance, outperforming other airports in average waiting times for arrival and departure flights. In the fifth category for domestic airports, Al-Gurayat Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, surpassing all competing airports in average waiting times for arrival and departure flights. GACA's airport performance evaluation relies on 11 key performance indicators, including passenger waiting times during travel procedures, time spent at baggage claim, immigration and customs areas, and standards related to passengers with disabilities, in accordance with the best global practices.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by its General Administration of General Aviation, organized a workshop in Riyadh as part of its efforts to boost international investment in the general aviation sector. More than 30 representatives participated from leading aircraft manufacturers, maintenance service providers, and ground services companies, along with representatives from the Kingdom's general aviation airports and the Ministry of Investment. The workshop seeks to attract investment to the Kingdom's general aviation market, focusing on maintenance, airport operations, and ground services sectors. It explores the latest strategic developments and promising investment opportunities in general aviation, while addressing key challenges and opportunities in this vital sector. It also examines ways to develop airport infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency, contributing to sector growth and sustainability. Furthermore, it highlights key achievements in facilitating procedures, which led to a 24% increase in general aviation traffic in 2024. During the workshop, the Director General of General Aviation at GACA, Eng. Imtiaz Manzari, stated that this event's objective is to showcase investment opportunities to foreign companies in maintenance, airport operations, and ground services sectors, with the attendance of leading airport operators in the Kingdom. He stressed that GACA is committed to creating an incentivizing business environment to attract international investors and establish the Kingdom's position as a global general aviation hub. This step aligns with the Kingdom's strategic objectives to boost its global competitiveness. As the sector continues its significant expansion, GACA maintains its efforts to develop an attractive investment climate that helps achieve general aviation roadmap objectives. The workshop serves as an important dialogue platform between government entities, companies, and foreign investors, highlighting the Kingdom's strategic directions and its efforts to enhance its competitive capability as a global general aviation hub. It also spotlights the investment incentives offered by the Kingdom and the supporting legislation aimed at attracting major specialized companies in aviation services, maintenance, and operations.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej yesterday inaugurated the new Jeddah headquarters of Nera, a leading company in technology and innovation solutions. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, Nera board chairman Bandar Al-Mohanna, board members, and executive leadership. Al-Duailej toured the facility, including the state-of-the-art Digital Hub, which is equipped with the latest technologies to enhance Nera’s ability to provide innovative digital solutions for its clients. The GACA president emphasized that the establishment of Nera represents a significant addition to the aviation sector, aiming to meet both local and international industry needs through cutting-edge solutions. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in aviation technology and innovation.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), hosted the South Central Distribution Information Region (SCDDR) meeting, along with the accompanying training workshop, held from February 24 to 27, 2025, in Jeddah. The meeting was chaired by the Spanish center, as the supervisor of the South Central Distribution Information Region (SCDDR), with participation from representatives of international Search and Rescue Mission Centers (MCCs) located within the region, including the Saudi, Emirati, Qatari, Algerian, Nigerian, and Togolese centers. Additionally, representatives from the International Program Secretariat (COSPAS-SARSAT) were present. The meeting discussed performance efficiency reports for the systems and devices of the International Search and Rescue Mission Centers (MCCs) within the region. It also provided participants with updates on technical, operational, and administrative developments, as well as an overview of the future directions of the program in the field of satellite-based search and rescue through the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program. Furthermore, the meeting reviewed the results and recommendations, which will be presented to the International Program’s Joint Committee in its next session for review and approval. These will then be documented in the program's records and submitted to the Program Council for appropriate action. The meeting was accompanied by a training workshop aimed at enhancing knowledge of the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program, improving the technical and operational understanding of handling distress signals, and strengthening collaboration to develop search and rescue services, as well as sharing best practices. Representatives from several countries within the service area of the Saudi Mission Control Center (SAMCC) participated in the workshop. Additionally, representatives from government entities involved in search and rescue and equipped with terminal devices from the Saudi Arabian Satellite Search and Rescue Mission Center (SAMCC) attended. These entities included the Royal Saudi Air Force, the General Directorate of Border Guards, and the National Operations Center of the Ministry of Interior.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Riyadh recently hosted a regional seminar on the privatization of airport security services and the single security checkpoint focusing on opportunities and challenges. This event was organized in collaboration with the Arab Civil Aviation Organization the European Civil Aviation Conference and the African Civil Aviation Commission. The seminar ran from February 24 to 26 2025 and gathered over 120 experts and specialists in aviation security. Participants represented 55 countries across the Arab African and European regions alongside key players from the aviation industry and regional organizations. The primary goal of the seminar was to create a space for dialogue and the exchange of experiences between countries on privatizing airport security services and implementing the single security checkpoint concept. The discussions also focused on improving the efficiency of security operations reducing costs and maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. The event featured several panel discussions led by international experts in aviation security. These sessions explored the opportunities and challenges of privatizing aviation security functions and implementing the single security checkpoint. On the first day the seminar highlighted both current and emerging threats to civil aviation security. Topics covered included key aspects of privatizing aviation security challenges after privatization opportunities presented by the single security checkpoint and the importance of ensuring equivalent security measures across regions. The seminar also emphasized the need for building capacity and fostering stronger international and regional cooperation in civil aviation security.