The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia is opening the domestic private aviation market to international operators, by announcing the removal of restrictions for foreign on-demand charter flights within the country.
GACA said the move is part of its broader strategy to boost the private aviation market.
“GACA is unlocking new opportunities for the global aviation industry, by removing restrictions on charter flight businesses to operate domestically in the Kingdom,” said GACA general manager for general aviation Imtiyaz Manzary. “This regulatory decision supports GACA's roadmap to establish Saudi Arabia as a general aviation hub, alongside an unprecedented infrastructure programme to establish new private airports and terminals across the Kingdom.”
The authority said the removal of these restrictions will boost competition in the region, as well as attracting greater foreign investment alongside the greater flexibility for operators in the aviation industry.
The new policy will be effective May 1, 2025. Foreign charter operators will be able to apply for permission to operate domestic flights.