News

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), concluded its participation in the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, by signing 17 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the field of air transport. The Kingdom also submitted 31 working and information papers covering innovation, safety, sustainability, security, and passenger experience, and held 40 bilateral meetings to strengthen international cooperation in aviation.

During the Assembly, ICAO’s Executive Council renewed Saudi Arabia’s membership for the 2026–2028 term, with the Kingdom receiving 175 out of 184 votes—maintaining its seat since 1986. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in shaping global civil aviation policy through its initiatives and commitment to international best practices.

Leading the high-level Saudi delegation, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA, announced a generous donation of $1 million from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in support of ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative for the 2025–2028 cycle. The initiative aims to assist developing countries in implementing ICAO’s safety and security standards.

ICAO also honored the Kingdom, represented by Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Fawzan, Chair of the Cooperative Aviation Security Program – Middle East (CASP-MID), in recognition of his leadership in enhancing aviation security capabilities across the region. The recognition underscores Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in supporting UN aviation programs and international efforts to ensure no country is left behind.

Throughout the Assembly, Saudi Arabia signed 17 bilateral agreements and MoUs in air transport and held 40 bilateral meetings, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its global aviation footprint, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and improving safety and security standards—while offering more travel options to passengers.

The Kingdom’s 31 submitted papers addressed a wide range of topics aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, including airport infrastructure development, air transport facilitation, environmental sustainability, carbon emissions reduction, and investment in biofuels and clean technologies.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, Saudi Arabia hosted a reception attended by over 450 dignitaries, aviation leaders, diplomats, and ICAO member state representatives. The event featured a cultural exhibition showcasing traditional Saudi crafts such as weaving and leatherwork, along with folkloric performances from various regions of the Kingdom. A documentary film was also screened, highlighting the evolution of Saudi civil aviation and the Kingdom’s transformation into a modern aviation hub.