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September 20, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its August report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia. Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveller experience at Kingdom airports. The report highly ranked King Khalid International Airport, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Gurayat Airport. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, with an 82% compliance rate. Following closely behind was King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 82%. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport tied for first place in the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, with a 91% compliance rate. King Fahad International Airport followed with an 82% compliance rate. In the 2 to 5 million annual passenger category, Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan demonstrated a 100% compliance rate. However, Abha International Airport outperformed King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport by surpassing higher targets in the specified evaluation criteria. In the category of less than 2 million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved a 100% compliance rate, outperforming its competitors regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Gurayat Airport came first in the domestic airport category, with a 100% compliance rate. It outperformed all competing airports regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. GACA evaluates airport performance through operational performance standards focused on critical passenger touchpoints. These include check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). These metrics ensure a seamless and efficient travel experience for all passengers and are aligned with international best practices. In support of its airport partners, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to deal with traveler complaints. The booklet, which has been circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules that must be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries. Through regularly held workshops, the authority trains employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travelers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations.

September 19, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly classification for air transport service providers “to give passengers information about the performance of air transport service providers and airports. The assessment was based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travelers during August 2024. According to GACA, 1,505 complaints were filed by travelers on Saudi air carriers in August. SAUDIA Airlines had the fewest complaints among airlines, 13 per 100,000 travelers, and a complaint resolution rate of 100%. Flynas was second, with 17 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. Flyadeal was third with 23 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. The most common complaints in August were about luggage, flights, and tickets. According to the index, among international airports with more than 6 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport had the fewest complaints, at five per 100,000 travelers, and a resolution rate of 100%. Among international airports with less than 6 million passengers annually, Abha International Airport had the fewest complaints, two per 100,000 travelers, and a resolution rate of 100%. Among domestic airports, Bisha Airport had the fewest complaints, one per 100,000 passengers, and a resolution rate of 100%. GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travelers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services. According to the authority, it keeps multiple communication channels open around the clock to enable interaction with travelers and airport visitors. They are: Unified Call Center number 1929, WhatsApp service at 0115253333, email: gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa, social-media accounts, and GACA's website. Among the complaints the authority receives through these channels are those concerning boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility.

September 19, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is set to host the "Youth Empowerment & Development in Civil Aviation" virtual session as part of the lead-up to the United Nations Future Summit. This session will take place on September 20, 2024, from 3 to 5 PM. GACA is collaborating with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for this event. This session marks GACA's inaugural involvement in a UN-affiliated event and will primarily focus on engaging youth in the civil aviation sector. The session aims to address the significant challenges facing human resources in the aviation industry, foster international cooperation, and explore career development opportunities for the next generation. The virtual session will bring together representatives from academic, industrial, governmental, and international organizations and young professionals in the aviation sector. They will share experiences and discuss best practices, innovative ideas, and solutions to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry. This session will serve as a platform to launch new collaborative initiatives aimed at developing a globally competitive and future-ready workforce in the aviation sector. By enabling public participation, the session will provide young people with the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers. GACA's participation in such events aims to showcase its programs, initiatives, and contributions to creating job opportunities in the air transport industry and empowering Saudi youth. This aligns with GACA's belief in the role of Saudi youth in developing and enhancing the aviation sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy. The UN Future Summit will take place on September 22 and 23, during the high-level general assembly week. Preparatory work days will precede the September 20 and 21 summit to create additional opportunities for engaging all stakeholders. Those interested in participating can visit the following website: https://myeservices.gaca.gov.sa/eservices/public/atic/sft/eservice/register?detailsId=3478753

This news article is available only in the Arabic version.

September 17, 2024 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), has participated in the 20th meeting of the Executive Committee for Civil Aviation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Saudi delegation was led by the President of GACA and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej. The meeting was hosted by the State of Qatar, represented by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the GCC. All member states participated in the meeting, which was held in Doha. In Al-Duailej's address during the meeting, the President of GACA expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its warm hospitality. He highlighted that the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among GCC states in civil aviation affairs, which would support the civil aviation industry in the region and unify efforts and stances. The meeting agenda covered cooperation on a unified program for assessing foreign aircraft safety, updates on establishing upper airspace for the GCC, and recommendations for a unified Gulf navigation communications network, including its technical specifications and economic feasibility. Additionally, discussions focused on aviation security culture, training, expertise exchange, and the GCC's achievements in air navigation and aviation.

This news article is available only in the Arabic version.