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GACA Opens Domestic Market to Foreign Operators for Charter Flights
Saudi Arabia allows foreign private aviation companies to operate domestic charter flights as part of broader aviation sector reforms.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia has announced that foreign private aviation companies will be permitted to operate charter flights for domestic passengers within the Kingdom.
The new policy, effective from January 5, 2025, will allow foreign operators to transport passengers on non-scheduled flights, provided they meet GACA’s specified requirements.
This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance the aviation sector and foster a competitive environment.
GACA’s Director General, Eng.
Imtiaz Manzari, emphasized that the decision supports the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.
The lifting of cabotage restrictions is expected to attract foreign investment and increase flexibility for general aviation operators.
This development aligns with GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap, introduced during the Future of Aviation Conference in May 2024, which aims to significantly boost the civil aviation sector.
Key targets include the establishment of six airports and nine lounges dedicated to general aviation, as well as expanding ground handling services and maintenance capabilities for private aircraft.
The roadmap is expected to create 35,000 jobs and contribute substantially to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030.
The new policy, effective from January 5, 2025, will allow foreign operators to transport passengers on non-scheduled flights, provided they meet GACA’s specified requirements.
This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance the aviation sector and foster a competitive environment.
GACA’s Director General, Eng.
Imtiaz Manzari, emphasized that the decision supports the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.
The lifting of cabotage restrictions is expected to attract foreign investment and increase flexibility for general aviation operators.
This development aligns with GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap, introduced during the Future of Aviation Conference in May 2024, which aims to significantly boost the civil aviation sector.
Key targets include the establishment of six airports and nine lounges dedicated to general aviation, as well as expanding ground handling services and maintenance capabilities for private aircraft.
The roadmap is expected to create 35,000 jobs and contribute substantially to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030.
