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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GCAA) presented its general aviation roadmap and initiatives, highlighting their contribution to significantly increasing GDP, aiming to achieve tenfold growth to reach $2 billion by 2030. This presentation took place during its participation at the Saudi House pavilion as part of the World Economic Forum 2025 annual meeting, held from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning with participation from various government entities. GACA discussed the sector's future direction through initiatives and programs supporting private aviation to attract global investors, operators, manufacturers, and service providers, strengthening the Kingdom's position as a general aviation hub and aligning infrastructure planning and regulations across the sector. Statistically, it highlighted the importance of private aviation in the Kingdom, reporting 24% growth in flight volume during 2024, with private flights increasing from 19,000 in 2023 to 23,500 in 2024. Domestic flights increased by 26% exceeding 9,200 flights, while international flights rose by 15%, reaching 14,400 flights. The Kingdom's main airports led growth in Saudi private aviation, with King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah seeing a 30% increase in private aviation traffic, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh recording 22% growth, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam showing a 7% increase. Eng. Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Khuraisi, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Intelligence at GACA, stated that the growing private aviation sector is key in supporting the Kingdom's tourism and business sectors, announcing GACA's implementation of a first-of-its-kind investment program to ensure the Kingdom provides advanced infrastructure and unprecedented private aviation services. He noted that the Kingdom's general aviation roadmap opens the private aviation sector to the world, offering $2 billion in investment opportunities for investors, operators, manufacturers, and service providers in this vital sector. Eng. Al-Khuraisi mentioned that GACA launched the general aviation roadmap during its participation in the Future Aviation Forum in May 2024, including a comprehensive transformation program to develop the general aviation sector to reach $2 billion by 2030, creating 35,000 jobs. Eng. Al-Khuraisi stated that the general aviation roadmap focuses on establishing advanced infrastructure and implementing robust regulations to create six airports dedicated to private aviation and nine private passenger terminals for private flights. It also aims to increase the number of service providers and maintenance and repair capabilities for private aircraft. He noted that an agreement was signed last December to make Jubail Airport one of six airports dedicated to general aviation in the Kingdom, with the goal of increasing the sector's current operational capabilities and developing private aviation services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) participated in the Saudi House initiative during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, held from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland. The event, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, featured participation from various government entities. During its participation at the Saudi House, GACA hosted two high-level discussion sessions highlighting investment opportunities through projects and incentives offered by the Kingdom's civil aviation sector. The sessions also emphasized aviation's position as a key driver and supporter within Saudi Vision 2030, showcasing the achievements of the aviation sector strategy and its global transformation, along with unprecedented investment opportunities in the Kingdom launched by the aviation sector strategy aimed at establishing aviation as an economic growth enabler, including the aviation status report. In a session titled "The Future of Aviation," GACA's Executive Vice President for air transport and international cooperation, Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, emphasized that GACA adopts advanced strategies to attract international investments in the aviation sector by focusing on supporting sustainable growth and innovation through international partnerships, contributing to creating economic opportunities and developing Saudi competencies in the aviation sector. He noted that the Kingdom's civil aviation sector efforts extend beyond connecting global destinations, as the sector seeks to enhance international cooperation, support sustainability, and affirm the Kingdom's leading position in global aviation innovations. He stated that the Kingdom confirms its global leadership in civil aviation through its prominent role in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), and by hosting global events such as the Future Aviation Forum 2024, which witnessed the signing of 102 agreements worth $20 billion. He explained that meeting increasing demand is a major challenge, as manufacturers face order backlogs and airlines struggle with operational capacity constraints. This challenge presents a significant economic growth opportunity, as the Kingdom's aviation sector contributes five times its value to the economic system and requires 279,000 additional jobs to support future expansion plans. He reported that increased air connectivity has enhanced global trade, tourism, and humanitarian efforts, with the Kingdom's aviation sector recording more than 170 destinations worldwide and increased air cargo capacity (with growth reaching 35% during 2024). In a discussion session titled "Shaping the Future of Innovation and Investment," GACA's Executive Vice President for strategy and business intelligence, Eng. Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Khuraisi, explained that the National Aviation Strategy focuses not only on infrastructure development but also seeks to transform the civil aviation sector into an engine for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth for the Kingdom and the world, enhancing the Kingdom's leadership role on the international stage." He addressed the National Aviation Strategy's targets, which aim to connect the Kingdom with more than 250 destinations and increase passenger numbers to 330 million annually. He pointed out that the strategy seeks to attract investments worth $100 billion in the civil aviation sector, including $50 billion for airports and $40 billion for new aircraft purchases, contributing to creating unprecedented opportunities for investment and growth through privatization and public-private partnerships. Eng. Al-Khuraisi reviewed the investment opportunities and incentives offered by the sector in the Kingdom and the latest developments in major civil aviation projects, including King Salman International Airport in Riyadh with its six runways, along with public-private partnerships to develop Abha, Taif, Hail, and Qassim International Airports. He also highlighted investment opportunities in cargo, logistics, advanced air mobility, commercial aviation, and enabling tourism and business sectors, which play prominent roles in the Kingdom's economy, through the launch of the general aviation roadmap aimed at providing advanced infrastructure, new aircraft, and enhanced services. The Saudi House pavilion reflects the Kingdom's growing role and effective influence in the international arena, serving as a platform connecting entrepreneurs, change-makers, and innovators to present strategic visions on key areas shaping our world's future. It's worth noting that the Saudi House initiative is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning with participation from various government entities and will hold several dialogue sessions to discuss the latest significant trends in social and economic transformation locally and internationally

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued its December classification of air transport service providers and airports to inform passengers about their performance and help them make informed choices. The monthly assessment is based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travellers.  According to GACA, 1,074 complaints were filed by travellers on Saudi air carriers in December 2024. SAUDIA had the fewest complaints among the airlines, 20 per 100,000 travellers, and a complaint resolution rate of 99%. Flyadeal came second, with 21 complaints per 100,000 travellers and a resolution rate of 100%. Flynas came third with 24 complaints per 100,000 travellers and a resolution rate of 100%. The most common complaints in May were about luggage, flights, and tickets.  Among international airports with more than six million passengers annually, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah had the fewest complaints, 20 per 100,000 travellers, and a resolution rate of 96%.  Among international airports with less than six million passengers annually, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk had the fewest complaints, one per 100,000 travellers, and a resolution rate of 100%.  Among domestic airports, Sharurah Domestic Airport had the fewest complaints, two per 100,000 passengers, and a resolution rate of 100%.  GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travellers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services.  According to the authority, multiple communication channels are open 24/7 to enable interaction with travellers and airport visitors. They are the call Center number 1929, WhatsApp service at 0115253333, email gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa, social media accounts, and GACA's website.  Through these channels, the authority receives complaints concerning boarding passes, employee behaviour, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility.  In support of its partners, the airports, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to deal with traveller complaints. The booklet, which has been circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules that must be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries.  The authority also trains, through regularly held workshops, employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travellers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations.

His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of Makkah Region, today honored the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) with the ‘Labaytum’ award for excellence in serving the Hajj pilgrims. The award was received by His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, at the fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah. The honor was in recognition of GACA’s initiative to develop the regulatory framework for the ‘Passengers with No Bags' service, which was implemented by MATARAT Holding Company. The service had a positive impact in enhancing, facilitating and organizing the departure procedures for pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. ‘Passengers with No Bags' aims to enable arriving and departing travelers to move without the hassle of transporting their luggage. This improves the travel experience and provides more comfort for the Hajj pilgrims, contributing to achieving the Kingdom’s vision to provide exceptional services to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed at the event in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region; His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah; His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation; and His Excellency Dr. Abdulfattah bin Suleiman Mashat, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, to facilitate and streamline the air travel departure procedures for the guests of God. The memorandum is part of the joint cooperation between government agencies to achieve common goals in serving the guests of God and setting a general framework for joint efforts, activities, and missions. It is worth noting that GACA is participating within the Transport System Pavilion at the fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 held under the slogan ‘A Passage to Nusuk.’ The event is organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in Jeddah Superdome, from January 13 to 16. GACA’s participation aims to enhance cooperation with relevant government agencies through integration, empowerment, and communication to provide a smooth and distinctive experience for Hajj pilgrims.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) committee responsible for reviewing violations of the Civil Aviation Bylaw issued its report for 2024, which shows it levied 542 fines worth SAR18,892,200 on entities and individuals violating the said bylaw and the executive regulations and instructions issued by the authority.  According to the report, 111 violations were recorded against airlines for non-adherence to the authority's instructions, including those pertaining to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and time-slot adherence. These violations resulted in a total fine of SAR3,650,000. Nine additional violations were observed, leading to total fines of SAR290,000.  Furthermore, 305 violations were recorded for airlines not complying with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, resulting in total fines of SAR14,425,000. Seventeen violations were imposed on licensed companies failing to comply with GACA’s instructions and civil aviation regulations, resulting in total fines of SAR175,000. Two violations were issued against two companies for failure to comply with the provisions of the licenses issued by GACA, resulting in total fines of SAR40,000.  The report showed that the committee issued 92 violations against individuals, including 15 violations related to the use of drones without obtaining a permit from the authority, resulting in total fines of SAR75,000.  Additionally, 74 violations were related to passengers' failure to comply with aviation safety instructions and inappropriate behavior on board, resulting in a total fine of SAR79,200. Three violations were related to trespassing in restricted airport areas in violation of the authority's regulations, resulting in total fines of SAR3,000. Finally, six violations were issued against individuals for operating gliders without a permit, resulting in total fines of SAR155,000.  The authority pointed out that these measures are part of its commitment to working transparently, and said its regulatory and supervisory role in the aviation sector helps improve passenger experience and the quality of air transport services in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is participating in the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, held in the Jeddah Superdome from January 13 to 16. The fourth edition of this conference is organized by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the slogan "A Passage to Nusuk". GACA can be found in the Transportation System booth. GACA official spokesperson Ibtisam bin Hassan Al-Shahri stated that participation in this global event will bolster GACA’s cooperation with various relevant government agencies via integration, empowerment and communication, enhancing services to Hajj pilgrims to provide a smooth and distinctive experience. During the conference, GACA will showcase its programs and initiatives to serve Hajj pilgrims in the Kingdom's airports, along with its innovative technical solutions and digital platforms in the context of the KSA’s expanding air traffic, with the aim of improving services in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Al-Shahri said. The Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 brings together more than 300 entities over four days, spotlighting cutting-edge technical solutions and services in its effort to build bridges of cooperation between various stakeholders in the Hajj and Umrah system, and highlighting new developments that improve the experience of Hajj pilgrims. The conference features almost fifty discussion sessions and fifty workshops led by over 130 local and international experts, addressing the issue of sustainability and reviewing environmentally friendly technologies to support the Hajj journey. The conference will also address the use of AI for crowd management, innovative digital solutions, and commercial opportunities for emerging companies and innovators in the Hajj sector.