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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has authorized German airline Eurowings to operate regular passenger flights between Saudi Arabia and Germany. Flights from Cologne to Jeddah will begin on November 5 and from Berlin to Jeddah on November 6, operating three times weekly throughout the winter season. This initiative by GACA aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia's global air connectivity in line with Vision 2030's goal of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub and expanding travel options. This agreement also aligns with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held its 14th Steering Committee Meeting for Activating the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector today in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, with the attendance of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Hassan, the Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and Eng. Omar Al-Abdullatif, the CEO of the Eastern Region Development Authority. Also in attendance were Vice Presidents, CEOs, officials, and managers representing companies and national carriers operating in the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, with the meeting organized by Dammam Airports Company. In his address, His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that the civil aviation sector achieved unprecedented record numbers this year. The number of passengers increased by 15% to reach 94 million between January and September 2024, with flights seeing a 10% rise compared to 2023. This growth was particularly notable at the Kingdom’s airports, including Dammam Airport, which recorded a 16% increase in passenger numbers by September. The volume of air connectivity has expanded as well, with flights now departing to over 150 destinations weekly. He further emphasized the significant role of shipping and logistics in the Kingdom’s economic growth, highlighting that air freight has grown by 52% this year, with a total volume approaching one million tons. He stressed that this growth positively impacts various sectors across the Kingdom. His Excellency underscored the importance of redoubling efforts to enhance overall sector performance and maximize the role of civil aviation, thereby increasing the sector’s competitiveness to meet the aspirations of the wise leadership in developing the industry to better serve citizens and travelers. He also commended all employees of the civil aviation sector for their dedicated efforts in overcoming challenges. The meeting then discussed key developments in activating the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector, the progress made on various initiatives, and updates on the recommendations of the 13th Steering Committee meeting. It also reviewed the latest achievements and pioneering projects for the sector in 2024, as well as developments in the strategies of airlines operating at the Kingdom’s airports. The discussion focused on their priorities, goals, and alignment with the National Strategy to contribute to the Kingdom’s social and economic development and achieve the ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2030. The event also included a signing ceremony of several contracts between Dammam Airports Company and a number of specialized private sector companies, in the presence of His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation. These projects, valued at over 300 million riyals, are aimed at enhancing infrastructure, improving the passenger experience, and boosting electricity reliability at the airport. They also focus on asset development, digital technology and cybersecurity. It is worth noting that the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector, derived from the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics, aims to double the sector’s capacity to more than 300 million passengers annually from over 250 global destinations. It also seeks to increase cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons of goods by 2030.

Saudi Arabia/United States—A select delegation from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) recently concluded a formal visit to the highly-acclaimed NBAA Business Aviation Convention Exhibition (BACE), held in Las Vegas, USA, from October 22-24.The visit by the Saudi delegation was aimed at keeping abreast with the latest market developments and offerings in the general aviation sector, in addition to boosting cooperation and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders. The representative team further displayed its ongoing efforts in enhancing and raising the quality of general aviation within the Kingdom. During their visit, the Saudi delegation conducted meetings with senior executives of numerous manufacturing aircraft companies and other affiliates operating them on a global level. The discussions underlined modern technologies, innovations and solutions within the general aviation industry which also encompassed major global companies that manufacture, operate, and/or maintain business-run or private chartered aircraft. Several other key topics relative to aviation were also addressed which include leveraging cooperation associated with finding new and diverse means of effective transportation, and the importance of keeping pace and allocating suitable infrastructure in line with the continuous growth of modern aviation technologies. Earlier this year, the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation launched the “General Aviation Roadmap” during the Future Aviation Forum 2024, where it showcased the latest market offerings across the business aircraft, private chartered aircraft and aviation sectors, in addition to highlighting stakeholder relations and support for aircraft owners, investors, operators and service providers. Furthermore, the roadmap displayed the establishment of six new airports dedicated to the general aviation in Saudi Arabia, which are set to cement the country’s position as a world-class business and tourism destination, which comes in line with the wider objectives of the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. The NBAA BACE (Business Aviation Convention Exhibition) is one of the largest general aviation events worldwide where over 500 leading and key aviation companies partake in. The high-profile exhibition is typically held in Las Vegas, United States, on an annual basis and enables aviation stakeholders to network, exhibit, and exchange thoughts about the latest happenings within the aviation sector.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the Kingdom, Mr. Mohamed Ramadan Ruang, at the Authority's headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they reviewed topics of common interest and discussed ways to enhance areas of cooperation between the two countries in the field of air transport.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), today concluded its participation in the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event (ICAN 2024). Organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from October 21-25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the event included representatives from over 80 countries and several international organizations. GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej led the Kingdom's delegation. During ICAN 2024, GACA signed 15 agreements and memoranda of understanding with various countries in the field of air services to enhance bilateral cooperation in air transport and expand the network of connections. More than 30 bilateral meetings were held throughout the event. Among the signed agreements were eight memoranda of understanding and minutes of discussions aimed at improving cooperation between the Kingdom and several participating countries in air transport. These included agreements with Uzbekistan, Suriname, Belarus, Cuba, Türkiye, Liberia, and Brunei Darussalam. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with Mongolia, addressing a draft bilateral agreement on air services. ICAN 2024 featured numerous bilateral meetings where the president of GACA engaged with leaders of civil aviation authorities from around the world. He met with heads and officials of delegations from Seychelles, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Liberia. The discussions covered various topics related to the event and opportunities to strengthen economic ties and collaboration in air transport. The agenda also included a memorandum of discussion with the United States signed by GACA Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation Ali bin Mohammed Rajab. Also signed were a draft protocol to amend the Air Services Agreement, a memorandum of understanding in air transport with South Africa, and a memorandum of discussion with Latvia. Furthermore, an Air Services Agreement was signed with Guinea, alongside additional meetings with delegations from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Russia, India, Ethiopia, and Austria, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation in civil aviation The GACA delegation held separate bilateral meetings with Jamaica, Kuwait, and India, resulting in signed minutes of consultations to boost cooperation in air transport. A meeting with representatives from the Republic of Korea was also conducted to discuss various topics and collaboration opportunities in civil aviation. These agreements and memoranda of understanding are designed to support the strategic objectives of the civil aviation sector by building international partnerships that aim to enhance the Kingdom's air connectivity with the world to 250 destinations, transform it into a global logistics platform, and facilitate the transportation of 330 million passengers annually by 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej announced on Monday that Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in search and rescue operations. "Saudi Arabia has proposed the designation of September 10 as "International Search and Rescue Day," he said while revealing a $200,000 donation from the Kingdom to support the initiative. Al-Duailej made these remarks while inaugurating the 71st meeting of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Program (COSPAS-SARSAT), hosted by the Kingdom from October 15 to 24. The event was 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. In his speech, Al-Duailej highlighted Saudi Arabia'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. Al-Duailej 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 GACA president 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 called 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 added.