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His Excellency, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, chaired the 71st session of the Executive Council today. The session took place in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, in the presence of several ministers and heads of delegations from member states, as well as representatives from the League of Arab States. In his speech, His Excellency emphasized the important role of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization in supporting the civil aviation sector within the Arab region. He highlighted the organization’s efforts to adopt effective initiatives aimed at enhancing air safety, improving air connectivity, and supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation industry in the region. He called on member states to increase coordination in all areas and to make joint Arab decisions as part of a unified effort. He also urged for more international support and cooperation with regional and global organizations. His Excellency mentioned in his speech that all members have worked diligently to develop the organization and strengthen its leading role both regionally and internationally. They have focused on enhancing coordination and cooperation with all stakeholders in the Arab civil aviation sector, as well as our international partners. Together, they aim to face the growing challenges of this vital sector, ensuring its sustainability and maintaining its pivotal role in driving economic development, supporting tourism, creating job opportunities, and strengthening trades between countries. These efforts will continue to contribute to fostering growth and prosperity throughout the Arab region. Mr. Al-Duailej also praised and appreciated the decision to expand the membership of the Executive Council from 9 to 11 members, considering it a significant step that will enhance the participation of Arab countries in making crucial decisions regarding the development of the civil aviation sector and creating overall better cooperation among Arab countries. This is seen as one of the fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable development in the region. The meeting addressed several organizational, technical, and financial matters, with a follow-up on the recommendations from the 69th session of the Council. The Council also approved the recommendations of the organization’s technical committees, such as the Air Transport, Air Navigation, Air Safety, Aviation Security, Environment, and Media and Corporate Communication Committees. The council also discussed the implementation of the organization's annual activities program and updates in global and Arab air transport trends. It is worth noting that His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej was elected Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization following the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unanimous victory in the election at the 28th Ordinary General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, held in Rabat last July. In the elections, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also secured membership in six technical committees, namely Air Transport, Air Navigation, Air Safety, Aviation Security, Environment, and Media and Corporate Communication Committees. Additionally, the Kingdom gained membership in the Financial and Administrative Control Authority.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia for November. GACA classified airports into five categories, it said in a recent report. 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 (KFIA) 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, Abha International Airport took the first place with a 100% compliance rate. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan followed with a 100% compliance rate. Abha International Airport stood out by achieving the targets set for standards. In the category of international airports with less than two million passengers, Arar 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.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued the classification index for air transport service providers and airports to inform passengers about their performance and help them make informed choices. The assessment is based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travelers. According to GACA, 928 complaints were filed by travelers on Saudi air carriers in November. Flyadeal had the fewest complaints among the airlines, 11 per 100,000 travelers, and a complaint resolution rate of 99%. Low-cost carrier flynas was second, with 12 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was third with 13 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 99%. The most common complaints in November were about luggage, flights, and tickets. According to the report, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had 13 complaints, a remarkably low complaint rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers, and a 100% complaint resolution rate, despite serving over 6 million annual passengers. With nearly 6 million annual passengers, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport had a complaint rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. King Saud Airport had the lowest complaints among domestic airports, with a complaint rate of 3 per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travelers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services. According to the authority, multiple communication channels are kept open around the clock to enable interaction with travelers and airport visitors. They are: Call Center number 1929; WhatsApp service at 0115253333; email at gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa; social media accounts; and GACA's website. Through these channels, the authority receives complaints concerning boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility. In support of its partnering airports, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on handling traveler complaints. The booklet, which was circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules for all types of complaints and inquiries. Through regularly held workshops, GACA trains employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travelers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has successfully wrapped up its participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week 2024, held in the Sultanate of Oman from December 9 to 12, where leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations and bodies from across the world gathered to discuss civil aviation security collaboration. During its participation at the event, organized in collaboration with the ICAO, the GACA reviewed its prominent role at both regional and international levels in aviation security, particularly through its chairmanship of the Civil Aviation Security Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, to which it was recently elected to lead for the third consecutive time. Additionally, it has demonstrated its commitment to supporting ICAO initiatives and programs related to security and cyber security in civil aviation, as well as fostering the development of skills and tools that enhance the aviation industry and improve safety standards in air operations and airports. The authority also highlighted its efforts to leverage modern technologies to establish an innovative aviation security sector. During the event, GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej visited the exhibition pavilions on the sidelines of the ICAO Security Week. He was briefed on the latest technologies and innovative security solutions pertaining to air traffic security, drone tracking systems, and cyber security, as well as the best practices and tools employed to tackle security threats stemming from contemporary digital methods and drones, among other topics. The ICAO Security Week 2024 featured a series of bilateral meetings, including discussions led by Al-Duailej. These meetings aimed to strengthen cooperation efforts with aviation authority leaders globally through engaging with officials from the United States of America, the Republic of Egypt, the Sultanate of Oman, and the State of Qatar. Several topics concerning the civil aviation sector and methods to improve collaboration in aviation security were discussed during the meetings.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, highlighted the critical and central role of young people in advancing civil aviation security. He emphasized that aviation security is not merely about systems and procedures but rather a shared responsibility that integrates modern technologies with innovative vision. This statement was made during his participation in the youth session held as part of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Security Week 2024. The event, hosted by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation in the Sultanate of Oman, includes the participation of leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations worldwide and continues until December 12. His Excellency explained that ICAO has established precise standards for aviation security. Through initiatives such as "The Next Generation of Aviation Professionals," the organization aims to empower young people via various training programs and professional opportunities. He noted that the younger generation is uniquely capable of integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to develop more efficient and effective security systems. During the session titled "Empowering Youth... Achieving Gender Balance in Aviation Security," His Excellency underscored the importance of gender balance in the aviation sector. He emphasized that achieving justice and equality not only ensures fairness but also enhances performance and encourages more innovative decision-making. ICAO's "Gender Equality" program, he noted, is designed to empower women and increase their representation in leadership roles, particularly in aviation security. His Excellency concluded by highlighting the significant innovations brought forward by youth in aviation security. Examples include the use of artificial intelligence to improve baggage inspection processes, drones for monitoring airport perimeters, and facial recognition systems to expedite security procedures. He affirmed that incorporating modern technologies to enhance civil aviation security is part of ongoing global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security measures in the sector.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej emphasised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to regional and international initiatives in addressing the security challenges facing the civil aviation sector. He noted that the Saudi aviation system had attained a compliance rate of 94.4% in implementing aviation security standards, a testament to national efforts, as highlighted in the comprehensive aviation security audit report released by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), positioning the Kingdom among the world's foremost nations in this domain. This was articulated in a speech by the GACA president at the ministerial meeting associated with the "ICAO Security Week 2024," which is currently taking place in the Sultanate of Oman from December 9 to 12, 2024. This event is organised in collaboration with the ICAO and involves the participation of leaders and heads of civil aviation organisations and entities globally. Al-Duailej highlighted that the growing security challenges currently confronting the civil aviation sector are marked by complexity and diversity. These include cyber-attacks and the use of drones in actions that threaten security, along with risks stemming from modern technologies, such as cyber-attacks on aviation digital systems. He emphasised that these threats have emerged as a new danger that requires innovative strategies for effective management. He outlined that the Kingdom's initiatives in civil aviation security focus on fundamental principles designed to improve security preparedness and guarantee the sector's safety at all levels. The GACA president highlighted that the Kingdom has focused significantly on cybersecurity given the current technological challenges, having developed specialised programs to safeguard digital systems, booking platforms, and aviation operations. This enhances the sector's capacity to combat cyber-attacks. He also noted that the Kingdom aims to cultivate exceptional human capabilities in this field by launching advanced training programs in collaboration with international organisations to qualify national personnel and improve their preparedness to handle various security scenarios. "The Kingdom has played a crucial role in supporting regional and international initiatives focused on improving security in this essential sector. It has also been actively involved in developing joint security strategies with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to strengthen security coordination among nations, ensuring a prompt and effective response to security challenges," he said. He stated that the Kingdom has played a crucial role in international initiatives spearheaded by the ICAO. It has played a significant role in shaping aviation security policies and executing programs designed to enhance global security standards. This includes hosting the permanent headquarters of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (ICAO CASP-MID) and supporting the ICAO through the "No Country Left Behind" (NCLB) initiative. At the conclusion of his speech, the GACA president emphasised the significance of strengthening collaboration among all nations to stay updated on the swift advancements in security threat methods and to unite in creating innovative and effective solutions to tackle these challenges.