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he General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today, Oct. 22, an index for the classification of air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in September. GACA stated that the total number of complaints submitted by passengers against airlines in September amounted to 1,273. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was the least carrier complained about, with 29 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. Flyadeal ranked second, with 29 complaints and a closure rate of 100%. Meanwhile, Flynas came third, with 31 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 100%. The most frequent complaints for September were about luggage, boarding services, then ticketing. For the same month, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 0.3% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually. Only 11 complaints were submitted by travelers, with a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. Prince Naif International Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually. It reported a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. For domestic reports, Arar Airport recorded the lowest complaints per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 3%, recording a timely complaint processing rate of 100%.

The Kingdom, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, participated yesterday in the work of the International Air Transport Services Negotiations Conference (ICAN 2024), organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), during the period October 21-25 in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, with the attendance of more than 80 countries.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej announced today that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in search and rescue operations, proposing the designation of September 10 as "International Search and Rescue Day" and revealing a $200,000 donation from the Kingdom to support the initiative. Al-Duailej made his announcement during his opening speech at the 71st meeting of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Programme (COSPAS-SARSAT), hosted by the Kingdom from October 15 to 24 and held for the first time outside the founding countries of the program—US, France, Russia, and Canada. The meeting includes participants from 45 countries and organizations and is chaired by Henrik Smith, the current chairman of the COSPAS-SARSAT Program Council. Al-Duailej highlighted the Kingdom's pivotal role in global search and rescue efforts since joining the program in 2000. The Kingdom has developed advanced search and rescue capabilities, including the establishment of the Saudi Center for Search and Rescue Missions in Jeddah. The center now serves as a key regional hub, supporting search and rescue operations for seven neighboring countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, and Yemen. He underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System and the Autonomous Distress Tracking technology, ensuring full regulatory compliance by aircraft operators and rescue coordination centers. The Kingdom is also adapting to technological advancements, such as drones, to enhance aviation safety and efficiency. The president of GACA also announced that Saudi Arabia will host the Central and Southern Regions Meeting in Jeddah from February 24 to 27, 2025, which will offer specialized training workshops to strengthen the capabilities of search and rescue personnel in the region. He concluded by calling for increased cooperation among all participants to create a safer and more secure future in civil aviation globally. The Kingdom's active role in search and rescue, particularly through its satellite-based efforts, further establishes it as a significant player on the international stage.

he General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia for September. King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Al-Ahsa airport and Gurayat Domestic Airport took the leading positions, as the airports were classified into five categories. Among international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport took the first place with a compliance rate of 82%, followed with Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (73%). In the category of international airports with five to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport led with a compliance rate of 91%. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport came second with a compliance rate of 91%. Among international airports with two to five million passengers annually, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan took the first place with a 100% compliance rate. Abha International Airport followed with a 100% compliance rate. In the category of international airports with less than two million passengers, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved 100% compliance, outperforming peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights. For domestic airports, Gurayat Domestic Airport came on top with a 100% compliance rate, surpassing peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom, Mr. Andy Rodriguez Duran, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed topics of mutual interest and explored ways to enhance cooperation between the Kingdom and the Dominican Republic in the civil aviation sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held a workshop today to update its corporate strategy, with the participation of the Vice Presidents, Directors and sector officials at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Riyadh. The workshop reflects GACA's ongoing commitment to refining and realigning its strategy to enhance its role as an independent regulatory and oversight body. It aims to enable GACA to provide world-class regulatory services and develop innovative solutions for the benefit of the global aviation industry. Discussions covered various topics, including an analysis of the current situation and the updated provisions of the corporate strategy. Participants also explored ways to improve GACA's performance and strengthen its role in elevating the sector’s standards and increasing its competitiveness. The goal is to align with the aspirations of the leadership by investing in and developing the aviation sector to better serve citizens and travelers alike.

His Excellency the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, and His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today at GACA's headquarters in Riyadh to foster mutual cooperation to enable advanced air mobility in the Kingdom. The MoU aims to support the advanced air mobility project and build industrial capabilities for developing its systems, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in aviation innovation. The agreement outlines several key areas of cooperation, including: - Exchange of scientific and practical expertise between the two authorities. - Development of industrial capabilities for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and air traffic systems for unmanned aircraft. - Establishing working groups to coordinate relevant activities and initiatives. - Workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing to enhance expertise. - Collaboration on maintenance and repair service projects to support the aviation sector. This MoU aligns with the General Authority for Military Industries' role in regulating, localizing, and advancing the military industries sector, including military air transportation. It reflects the authority’s commitment to forming strategic partnerships with government entities to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange, contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The MoU also advances the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s strategic goals, which focus on building partnerships to promote safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation under a regulatory framework aligned with international best practices. GACA aims to collaborate with local and global manufacturers to establish robust regulations that ensure the secure and effective operation of VTOL aircraft and advanced air mobility applications.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation in the World Logistics Forum 2024, held from October 12-14, 2024. The forum, organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services brought together more than 100 speakers, including experts, industry pioneers, sector leaders, and representatives from both government and the private sector. The event took place at the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh. During the forum, GACA showcased the objectives of its ambitious sector strategy, which aims to increase air cargo capacity from 0.8 million tons in 2023 to 4.5 million tons by 2030. This initiative seeks to position the Kingdom a key link in global supply chains, by investing $100 billion in modernizing aviation infrastructure and leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of three continents. Dialogue Sessions and Highlights His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, participated in a panel discussion on the role of air freight in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global logistics sector. He emphasized the importance of the aviation sector strategy in addressing global logistics challenges and the role of Riyadh’s integrated logistics zoneand other zones in advancing the Kingdom’s comprehensive logistics vision. In another dialogue session focused on air freight developments, Afnan Khaled Al-Haboudel, Director General of Special Economic Zones at GACA, joined a panel of experts to discuss the latest trends and best practices for enhancing air freight standards. Licensing of Global Companies As part of its efforts to attract global companies to the integrated logistics zone in Riyadh, GACA granted four commercial licenses to international firms specializing in innovative technology, artificial intelligence, logistics services, and e-commerce. These licenses were presented in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Al-Duailej. GACA, represented by Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics, Awad bin Atallah Al-Salmi, awarded licenses to: - Sapphire: A strategic investment by a machinery company. - Bahri Logistics Services Company: To provide logistics services for Boeing’s aircraft spare parts. - Danfoss (Denmark): To conduct light manufacturing operations. - Shein: To establish a distribution center in the integrated logistics zone, positioning it as a regional hub serving the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Forum Objectives The World Logistics Forum aims to: - Enhance the efficiency of the logistics sector and promote economic growth. - Strengthen local, regional, and international connectivity within global trade networks and supply chains. - Foster public-private partnerships to boost collaboration and job creation. - Position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (CAGA), will host the 71st session of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Program (COSPAS-SARSAT) from October 15 to 24. The meeting will be chaired by Henrik Smith, Head of the Program, and will welcome representatives from 45 countries and organizations, alongside key Saudi government entities such as the General Directorate of Border Guards, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the National Center for Security Operations, the Saudi Space Agency, and the Communications and Space Technology Commission. The hosting reflects the Kingdom’s active role in the air transport sector and its commitment to satellite search and rescue operations at local, regional and international levels. Saudi Arabia is a pioneer in the region, having been among the first to join the program as a provider of ground sectors. The meeting, marking the first time it is held outside the headquarters of the program’s General Secretariat or its founding countries (the United States of America, France, Russia and Canada), will discuss several critical topics. Key agenda items include: - Operational and technical reports concerning the space and ground sectors of the Program. - Updates on emergency locator devices and administrative matters, including the review of previous council decisions and progress reports. - Discussions with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). - Presentation of the General Secretariat’s 2023 Annual Report, and review of the Secretariat's work plan for 2025. - Review of the Joint Committee's 38th meeting report (JC-38) and related recommendations. - Finalization of the program’s documents for approval, and confirmation or amendment of the agenda for future meetings. During the event, the General Authority of Civil Aviation will showcase the Saudi Search and Rescue Center, operated by the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company. As one of the region’s first centers, it leverages the COSPAS-SARSAT to provide distress signal notifications to relevant government agencies. The center’s services extend beyond the Kingdom, to seven neighboring countries in accordance with the regulations of the international program. This meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in satellite-based search and rescue efforts, and its ongoing commitment to advancing collaboration in this critical field.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej inaugurated today in Riyadh the fourth meeting of the Middle East Regional Aviation Security and Facilitation Group (MID-RASFG/4) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging expertise in aviation security and travel facilitation. Speaking at the opening of the two-day meeting, co-hosted by GACA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Middle East Regional Office, Al-Duailej emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to implementing ICAO international standards and highlighted the Kingdom's significant achievements in this area. These accomplishments include the introduction of the highly secure Saudi electronic passport, participation in the Public Key Directory, and the use of advanced technologies like big data and artificial intelligence to enhance inspection and monitoring operations. Al-Duailej highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to aviation security, as demonstrated by its 94.4% compliance rate in the ICAO aviation safety audit report, 100% compliance with Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention standards, and a seventh-place ranking among G20 countries in aviation security. Saudi Arabia presented a unified air travel requirements initiative aimed at creating a standardized global health framework for aviation in an effort to facilitate travel, unify health information protocols, and protect traveler health and safety. The meeting will address key topics such as following up on recommendations and decisions from the previous meeting (MID-RASFG/3), developing regional and global aviation security capabilities, discussing aviation security policy and counter-terrorism measures, improving airport security procedures through advanced technology, examining the impact of aviation-related legislation on public security, and reviewing Saudi Arabia's experience in quality control and compliance with international security standards.

October 13, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has awarded four commercial licenses to leading global companies in the fields of innovative technology, artificial intelligence, logistics services, and e-commerce to operate in the Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone. GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej attended the license handover ceremony at the Global Logistics Forum 2024, organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services from October 12 to 14 at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. Represented by Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Awad Al-Sulami GACA granted a commercial license to a subsidiary of Alat, in partnership with a leading innovative technology and AI company, to engage in light manufacturing operations and logistics services. In the manufacturing sector, GACA issued a commercial license to Bahri Logistics to provide logistics services for Boeing aircraft spare parts. The license was handed over to Bahri Logistics President Soror Basalom enabling investment in the Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone. Additionally, the Danish company Danfoss was granted a commercial license to conduct light manufacturing operations. In the e-commerce sector, GACA issued a commercial license to SHEIN for product distribution. The license aims to establish a regional distribution hub in the zone to serve the Middle East and North Africa.

October 13, 2024 President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej stressed that the National Aviation Strategy focuses on positioning the Kingdom as one of the top global logistics hubs by 2030. Al-Duailej made his remarks while participating in a panel discussion on the role of air freight in enhancing the Kingdom's leadership in the global logistics sector. The panel discussion was part of the Global Logistics Forum, held in Riyadh under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics from October 12 to 14. He explained that the Kingdom enjoys a unique geographical location, situated at the crossroads of three continents, with approximately 50% of the world's population within a five-hour flight. Al-Duailej added that this positioning enables the Kingdom to connect quickly and efficiently to vital markets through air freight, especially in a world where supply chains are under increasing pressure due to geopolitical factors. Al-Duailej pointed out that the Kingdom seeks to expand its air freight capabilities by increasing its fleet from the current seven cargo planes to 27, in collaboration with national carriers. He noted that this move supports the Kingdom's air freight goals, where the number of aircraft is expected to increase from 241 to 657 by 2030, including 187 wide-body and 470 narrow-body aircraft, positioning the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure as a globally competitive power.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will take part in the Global Logistics Forum (GLF), held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, will take place from October 12-14, 2024, at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. With over 100 speakers, including industry experts, leaders, and government representatives, GLF offers a platform to discuss the future of the logistics sector. GACA's participation is an opportunity to highlight the Kingdom's commitment to transforming into a global logistics hub by 2030, as outlined in the National Aviation Strategy and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. GACA aims to increase air cargo capacity from 0.8 million tons in 2023 to 4.5 million tons by 2030, making Saudi Arabia a crucial link in global supply chains. This ambitious goal is supported by a $100 billion investment in modernizing the Kingdom's aviation infrastructure and leveraging its strategic geographical location. GLF is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors from 30 countries, providing a valuable platform for exchanging best practices and addressing industry challenges.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Air Transport and International Cooperation Sector, has announced its approval for Cathay Pacific Airways to begin operating regular passenger flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh. The flights, scheduled for the winter season of 2024, will operate three times per week, starting on October 28, 2024. This initiative is part of GACA’s ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s links with the global community. It aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics platform and open new travel opportunities in accordance with the Saudi Aviation Strategy.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the committee concerned with violations of the Civil Aviation Law, issued its report for the third quarter of 2024, which included the issuance of 197 violations. These violations involved imposing financial fines totaling SAR 8,698,100 on entities and individuals who violated the Civil Aviation Law, executive regulations, and instructions issued by the authority. The report showed that 177 violations were issued against air carriers for failing to comply with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, with fines amounting to SAR 8.4 million. Additionally, 4 other violations were issued against air carriers for non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Law and the authority’s instructions, with total fines reaching SAR 150,000. Furthermore, 3 violations were issued against licensed companies for failing to comply with the licensing provisions issued by the authority, with fines totaling SAR 60,000. The report also revealed that the committee issued 13 violations against individuals. These included 4 violations related to individuals using drones without obtaining a permit from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, with total fines of SAR 25,000, as well as 9 violations related to passengers not following aviation safety instructions and misconduct on board, with total fines of SAR 3,100. The authority clarified that these measures are part of its commitment to transparency and clarity, emphasizing its continuous role in regulating and monitoring the aviation sector, improving passenger experience, and enhancing the quality of air transport services in the Kingdom.