Riyadh, 04 February 2025 – In a transformative move for Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the removal of cabotage restrictions for foreign on-demand charter flights within the Kingdom. This policy change, set to take effect on May 1, 2025, signals the opening of Saudi Arabia’s domestic private aviation market to international operators.
The new initiative is part of GACA’s broader General Aviation Roadmap, aimed at establishing the Kingdom as a global general aviation hub. The roadmap includes an ambitious infrastructure development program and regulatory enhancements to attract foreign investment and foster growth in the private jet segment.
“GACA is unlocking new opportunities for the global aviation industry by removing restrictions on charter flight businesses to operate domestically in the Kingdom,” said Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA. He added, “This regulatory decision supports GACA’s vision to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for general aviation.”
The removal of cabotage restrictions is complemented by the establishment of the General Aviation Sector Development Committee, which aims to align infrastructure and regulatory planning across the sector. The committee will engage stakeholders, including international private aviation investors, operators, and service providers, to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s general aviation value proposition.
GACA’s roadmap, unveiled at the Future Aviation Forum in May 2024, outlines a plan to grow the general aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030, creating 35,000 jobs. Key features of the roadmap include:
- Development of six dedicated business aviation airports and nine business aviation terminals.
- Expansion of Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for business jets.
- Integration of regulatory reforms to streamline operations for both domestic and international operators.
The Kingdom’s business jet market has already seen unprecedented growth. In 2024, the sector recorded a 24% increase in flight volumes, reaching a total of 23,612 flights. Domestic flights surged by 26%, while international flights rose by 15%, reflecting the sector’s growing dynamism and strategic importance.
These bold initiatives position Saudi Arabia to become a leading destination for private aviation, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and enhance global connectivity.
IMAGE: ©GACA – Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA. SOURCE: Press release
