FlexJet Granted Permit to Operate Private Jets Inside Saudi Arabia Under New GACA Rules
Second foreign business jet operator authorised after removal of domestic cabotage restrictions supports Saudi Vision 2030 ambitions
The private jet operator FlexJet has secured authorisation from Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulator to conduct foreign jet operations inside the Kingdom, making it only the second foreign firm to gain such clearance under the new regime.
The authorisation comes after the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) removed long-standing cabotage restrictions on foreign on-demand charter flights, a reform that took effect on 1 May 2025 and is central to plans to open Saudi airspace to international private aviation.
In its announcement, GACA said the change aims to boost competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and raise service standards within Saudi general aviation — a sector the Kingdom hopes will help diversify the economy under its long-term Vision 2030 strategy.
The regulator noted that the authorisation of operators like FlexJet will provide greater flexibility for private travel and encourage the development of a robust general-aviation ecosystem.
The move follows a precedent set earlier this year.
In August 2025, GACA granted the first international private-jet operator permit to VistaJet, marking a historic shift in the Kingdom’s aviation policy.
With FlexJet now authorised, Saudi Arabia is effectively opening its domestic airspace to more international business-jet traffic.
Industry observers say the changes could accelerate growth in private aviation, drawing high-net-worth travellers, international business travellers, and multinational companies to use charter jets for domestic and regional travel.
The broader reform includes plans for new private aviation infrastructure — such as dedicated business-jet airports and terminals, expanded maintenance and service facilities, and a streamlined regulatory framework for foreign operators.
FlexJet reportedly operates a fleet of some 162 aircraft, including light- and mid-size jets, as well as larger long-range models.
Its entry into the Saudi market signals confidence in the Kingdom’s evolving aviation environment and reflects the growing international interest in Saudi Arabia as a destination for luxury, business, and investment travel.
For Riyadh, the authorisation supports its aim to establish a world-class general-aviation ecosystem and improve connectivity for both domestic and foreign passengers.
The authorisation comes after the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) removed long-standing cabotage restrictions on foreign on-demand charter flights, a reform that took effect on 1 May 2025 and is central to plans to open Saudi airspace to international private aviation.
In its announcement, GACA said the change aims to boost competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and raise service standards within Saudi general aviation — a sector the Kingdom hopes will help diversify the economy under its long-term Vision 2030 strategy.
The regulator noted that the authorisation of operators like FlexJet will provide greater flexibility for private travel and encourage the development of a robust general-aviation ecosystem.
The move follows a precedent set earlier this year.
In August 2025, GACA granted the first international private-jet operator permit to VistaJet, marking a historic shift in the Kingdom’s aviation policy.
With FlexJet now authorised, Saudi Arabia is effectively opening its domestic airspace to more international business-jet traffic.
Industry observers say the changes could accelerate growth in private aviation, drawing high-net-worth travellers, international business travellers, and multinational companies to use charter jets for domestic and regional travel.
The broader reform includes plans for new private aviation infrastructure — such as dedicated business-jet airports and terminals, expanded maintenance and service facilities, and a streamlined regulatory framework for foreign operators.
FlexJet reportedly operates a fleet of some 162 aircraft, including light- and mid-size jets, as well as larger long-range models.
Its entry into the Saudi market signals confidence in the Kingdom’s evolving aviation environment and reflects the growing international interest in Saudi Arabia as a destination for luxury, business, and investment travel.
For Riyadh, the authorisation supports its aim to establish a world-class general-aviation ecosystem and improve connectivity for both domestic and foreign passengers.
