Brief

In 1948, the authority responsible for civil aviation in the Kingdom was established under the name "Civil Aviation Authority," which included both Saudi Airlines and the Civil Aviation Administration. In 1959, Saudi Airlines was separated from the Civil Aviation authority, and the latter was renamed the Civil Aviation Directorate." In 1977, the name was changed to the "General Authority of Civil Aviation."

By Cabinet Decision No. (13), issued on 17/1/1425H (2004), the Civil Aviation Presidency was transformed into a public authority with legal personality, financial independence, and administrative autonomy, operating based on commercial principles and standards. It was then renamed the "General Authority of Civil Aviation." On 9/12/1432H (2011), Royal Decree No. A/230 was issued, separating the General Authority of Civil Aviation from the Ministry of Defense, granting it greater independence and enabling it to advance the aviation industry in the Kingdom.

On 30/7/1437H (2016), Royal Decree No. A/133 was issued, linking the General Authority of Civil Aviation to the Minister of Transport. Furthermore, on 11/4/1438H, Royal Order No. 17049 was issued, separating the operational and legislative functions within the Authority. This aimed to deepen its role as a legislator and regulator of the aviation sector in the Kingdom, ensuring impartiality toward all operators and stakeholders in the sector.