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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.