Saudi Arabia Opens Domestic Airspace to Flexjet — Boosting Private Aviation Market
General Authority of Civil Aviation grants U.S. private jet operator licence to run charter flights across the Kingdom, deepening Riyadh’s drive to expand business aviation
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has formally authorised Flexjet to operate on-demand private jet flights within the country, marking a significant milestone in its broader liberalisation of the domestic aviation sector.
The regulatory decision – announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in early December 2025 – follows the removal of cabotage restrictions on foreign private-charter operators, effective from May 1 2025.
Flexjet becomes only the second foreign private-jet company to receive such approval, after VistaJet secured its licence in August 2025. The licence was formally handed over by GACA’s Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics, signifying official green light for Flexjet’s planned domestic operations.
The change in policy stems from GACA’s 2025 strategy to transform Saudi Arabia into a regional hub for general aviation.
The roadmap envisions a $2 billion-valued business-jet sector by 2030, supported by investment in new private airports, fixed-base operators, maintenance facilities and other aviation infrastructure.
For travellers, the shift means greater choice, flexibility and convenience when moving between Saudi cities — no longer reliant solely on commercial airlines or road transport.
Flexjet’s global fleet, which includes long-range, mid-size and light jets, is already regarded as a top-tier provider for high-net-worth individuals, corporate clients and business travellers.
With its authorisation, the company — and by extension other foreign operators — are expected to address growing demand among international investors, expatriates and affluent Saudis for luxury, time-efficient domestic travel.
For Riyadh, the move carries strategic benefits beyond convenience.
Expanding private aviation capacity supports the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification under Vision 2030, enhancing tourism, business mobility and regional connectivity.
It also signals increased openness to foreign investment and global integration of a sector long dominated by domestic carriers.
As Flexjet prepares to begin operations, the aviation industry will closely watch uptake of private charter services — particularly on high-traffic routes such as Riyadh-Jeddah — to gauge whether this reform triggers a sustainable expansion of Saudi Arabia’s nascent general aviation market.
The regulatory decision – announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in early December 2025 – follows the removal of cabotage restrictions on foreign private-charter operators, effective from May 1 2025.
Flexjet becomes only the second foreign private-jet company to receive such approval, after VistaJet secured its licence in August 2025. The licence was formally handed over by GACA’s Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics, signifying official green light for Flexjet’s planned domestic operations.
The change in policy stems from GACA’s 2025 strategy to transform Saudi Arabia into a regional hub for general aviation.
The roadmap envisions a $2 billion-valued business-jet sector by 2030, supported by investment in new private airports, fixed-base operators, maintenance facilities and other aviation infrastructure.
For travellers, the shift means greater choice, flexibility and convenience when moving between Saudi cities — no longer reliant solely on commercial airlines or road transport.
Flexjet’s global fleet, which includes long-range, mid-size and light jets, is already regarded as a top-tier provider for high-net-worth individuals, corporate clients and business travellers.
With its authorisation, the company — and by extension other foreign operators — are expected to address growing demand among international investors, expatriates and affluent Saudis for luxury, time-efficient domestic travel.
For Riyadh, the move carries strategic benefits beyond convenience.
Expanding private aviation capacity supports the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification under Vision 2030, enhancing tourism, business mobility and regional connectivity.
It also signals increased openness to foreign investment and global integration of a sector long dominated by domestic carriers.
As Flexjet prepares to begin operations, the aviation industry will closely watch uptake of private charter services — particularly on high-traffic routes such as Riyadh-Jeddah — to gauge whether this reform triggers a sustainable expansion of Saudi Arabia’s nascent general aviation market.
