VistaJet Launches Domestic Operations in Saudi Arabia as First Foreign Charter Operator
Approval from Saudi regulator opens new era of private aviation and supports Vision 2030 growth agenda
VistaJet has become the first international private-jet operator authorised to conduct domestic flights within Saudi Arabia, under a landmark approval by the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The decision came after GACA lifted cabotage restrictions for on-demand charters on May 1 2025, enabling foreign operators to fly between Saudi cities for the first time.
The authorisation empowers VistaJet to deliver point-to-point domestic service across key internal routes such as Riyadh-Jeddah, Al-Ula, NEOM and even the new luxury destination of Sindalah at the Red Sea.
The company reported a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in its Saudi Arabia programme membership in the first half of 2025, and emphasises that classification as a fully-owned floating-fleet operator gives it the agility to serve the Kingdom’s premium travel segment immediately.
VistaJet said charter pricing on its Challenger 350 fleet in the Saudi domestic market is averaging around fifteen thousand US dollars per hour, with strong demand emerging for multi-city itineraries linking business hubs, leisure destinations and regional gateways such as Dubai.
The new move is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to develop its general-aviation and luxury-tourism sectors, with GACA describing the approval as a milestone in enhancing competition, service quality and sector growth.
In parallel, VistaJet is reportedly recruiting local talent and planning investments in Saudi operations to better tailor its offerings to the local market, signalling a deeper commitment to the Kingdom’s aviation ecosystem.
The move is also expected to spur further interest from international charter firms and help cement Saudi Arabia’s status as a growing hub for high-net-worth regional and global aviation flows.
The decision came after GACA lifted cabotage restrictions for on-demand charters on May 1 2025, enabling foreign operators to fly between Saudi cities for the first time.
The authorisation empowers VistaJet to deliver point-to-point domestic service across key internal routes such as Riyadh-Jeddah, Al-Ula, NEOM and even the new luxury destination of Sindalah at the Red Sea.
The company reported a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in its Saudi Arabia programme membership in the first half of 2025, and emphasises that classification as a fully-owned floating-fleet operator gives it the agility to serve the Kingdom’s premium travel segment immediately.
VistaJet said charter pricing on its Challenger 350 fleet in the Saudi domestic market is averaging around fifteen thousand US dollars per hour, with strong demand emerging for multi-city itineraries linking business hubs, leisure destinations and regional gateways such as Dubai.
The new move is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to develop its general-aviation and luxury-tourism sectors, with GACA describing the approval as a milestone in enhancing competition, service quality and sector growth.
In parallel, VistaJet is reportedly recruiting local talent and planning investments in Saudi operations to better tailor its offerings to the local market, signalling a deeper commitment to the Kingdom’s aviation ecosystem.
The move is also expected to spur further interest from international charter firms and help cement Saudi Arabia’s status as a growing hub for high-net-worth regional and global aviation flows.
