The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced removing cabotage restrictions on foreign on-demand charter flights within Saudi Arabia, effective May 1, 2025. The policy allows international charter operators to apply for permission to operate domestic routes, subject to GACA’s regulatory requirements.
“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, GACA’s General Manager for General Aviation.
The decision supports GACA’s strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a general aviation hub. This move is part of a broader transformation plan outlined in the General Aviation Roadmap, unveiled at the Future Aviation Forum in May 2024. The roadmap aims to develop the general aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030, creating 35,000 jobs.
The initiative includes the development of six dedicated business aviation airports and nine additional business aviation terminals. It also involves expanding Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to meet increasing demand in the business jet sector.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s business jet sector recorded a 24% increase in flight volumes, with 23,612 flights. Domestic jet flights rose 26% to 9,206, while international jet flights increased 15% to 14,406, highlighting the sector’s growing significance.
GACA’s strategy aims to attract foreign investment and enhance competition within the general aviation market, with a focus on improving infrastructure and regulatory flexibility to accommodate growth.
