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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today won two “NIDLP” awards: one for the most prominent entity in achieving investments and the other for the best entity in terms of executive and financial performance for the year 2024. The awards were presented during the annual closing ceremony of the National Industry Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP). Representatives from private sector companies, government agencies, and officials from the executive bodies affiliated with the program attended the “NIDLP” ceremony. GACA explained that these honors reflect its efforts in achieving the program's objectives and underscore the Authority's pivotal role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s economy as part of Vision 2030. This vision aims to diversify sources of income for the national economy. The awards also highlight GACA's ongoing commitment to developing the civil aviation sector and improving its executive and financial performance. Additionally, they recognize GACA's contributions to attracting investments and launching promising investment opportunities in partnership with both the public and private sectors. These efforts align with the civil aviation sector strategy, which seeks to double passenger capacity to over 330 million annually, servicing more than 250 global destinations, and increase cargo capacity to 5.4 million tons by 2030. It is worth noting that the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in industrial power and logistics. The program focuses on four key sectors: energy, mining, industry, and logistics services, with an additional emphasis on local content and the Fourth Industrial Revolution to maximize the economic impact.

Saudi Arabia was represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation today in the extraordinary session of the General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization in Rabat, Morocco. The session was attended by several ministers from member states and representatives from Arab countries within the organization. In his speech, His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, welcomed the decision to expand the Executive Council’s membership from 9 to 11 members. He viewed this as a significant step in boosting the involvement of Arab countries in key decisions related to the development of civil aviation in the region. This change is also expected to foster better cooperation among Arab countries, a vital aspect of achieving sustainable development. Mr. Al-Duailej shared the outcomes of the 71st Executive Council session, noting that it focused on addressing critical issues and challenges facing the organization and the civil aviation sector. The session worked on finding innovative solutions to improve efficiency and support the sector’s sustainable growth by reviewing performance reports from various subcommittees and following up on previous recommendations, which showed notable progress. He highlighted that Arab countries have made significant strides in air traffic, with seats offered by Arab countries now accounting for about 27% of the global total. However, he emphasized that there is still considerable potential for growth and called for greater effort from all member states to strengthen regional cooperation and air connectivity. Mr. Al-Duailej also praised the organization for its training activities, which have benefited a total of  1,903 participants in 2024. He stressed the importance of building the skills of the workforce through advanced training programs and improving the exchange of knowledge and expertise between member countries. This, he said, would enhance the sector’s competitiveness at both regional and international levels. He also urged the adoption of digital solutions and advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance the passenger experience, and upgrade service quality. In conclusion, Mr. Al-Duailej underscored the importance of continuous coordination and joint cooperation between Arab countries to tackle challenges in the civil aviation sector. He called for unified efforts to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth and to strengthen its position globally, thus driving development and success for all member states. Following his remarks, the meeting discussed various topics, including the decision to increase the Executive Council’s membership from 9 to 11 members, with Tunisia and Yemen joining the Council. The session also set priorities and discussed developing joint work programs with ICAO’s regional offices and similar organizations, aiming to improve air transport, safety, security, air navigation capacity, environmental protection, and coordination across the region.

His Excellency, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, chaired the 71st session of the Executive Council today. The session took place in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, in the presence of several ministers and heads of delegations from member states, as well as representatives from the League of Arab States. In his speech, His Excellency emphasized the important role of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization in supporting the civil aviation sector within the Arab region. He highlighted the organization’s efforts to adopt effective initiatives aimed at enhancing air safety, improving air connectivity, and supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation industry in the region. He called on member states to increase coordination in all areas and to make joint Arab decisions as part of a unified effort. He also urged for more international support and cooperation with regional and global organizations. His Excellency mentioned in his speech that all members have worked diligently to develop the organization and strengthen its leading role both regionally and internationally. They have focused on enhancing coordination and cooperation with all stakeholders in the Arab civil aviation sector, as well as our international partners. Together, they aim to face the growing challenges of this vital sector, ensuring its sustainability and maintaining its pivotal role in driving economic development, supporting tourism, creating job opportunities, and strengthening trades between countries. These efforts will continue to contribute to fostering growth and prosperity throughout the Arab region. Mr. Al-Duailej also praised and appreciated the decision to expand the membership of the Executive Council from 9 to 11 members, considering it a significant step that will enhance the participation of Arab countries in making crucial decisions regarding the development of the civil aviation sector and creating overall better cooperation among Arab countries. This is seen as one of the fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable development in the region. The meeting addressed several organizational, technical, and financial matters, with a follow-up on the recommendations from the 69th session of the Council. The Council also approved the recommendations of the organization’s technical committees, such as the Air Transport, Air Navigation, Air Safety, Aviation Security, Environment, and Media and Corporate Communication Committees. The council also discussed the implementation of the organization's annual activities program and updates in global and Arab air transport trends. It is worth noting that His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej was elected Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization following the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unanimous victory in the election at the 28th Ordinary General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, held in Rabat last July. In the elections, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also secured membership in six technical committees, namely Air Transport, Air Navigation, Air Safety, Aviation Security, Environment, and Media and Corporate Communication Committees. Additionally, the Kingdom gained membership in the Financial and Administrative Control Authority.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia for November. GACA classified airports into five categories, it said in a recent report. Among international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport took the first place with a compliance rate of 82%, followed with Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (73%). In the category of international airports with five to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) led with a compliance rate of 91%. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport came second with a compliance rate of 91%. Among international airports with two to five million passengers annually, Abha International Airport took the first place with a 100% compliance rate. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan followed with a 100% compliance rate. Abha International Airport stood out by achieving the targets set for standards. In the category of international airports with less than two million passengers, Arar International Airport achieved 100% compliance, outperforming peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights. For domestic airports, Gurayat Domestic Airport came on top with a 100% compliance rate, surpassing peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued the classification index for air transport service providers and airports to inform passengers about their performance and help them make informed choices. The assessment is based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travelers. According to GACA, 928 complaints were filed by travelers on Saudi air carriers in November. Flyadeal had the fewest complaints among the airlines, 11 per 100,000 travelers, and a complaint resolution rate of 99%. Low-cost carrier flynas was second, with 12 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was third with 13 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 99%. The most common complaints in November were about luggage, flights, and tickets. According to the report, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had 13 complaints, a remarkably low complaint rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers, and a 100% complaint resolution rate, despite serving over 6 million annual passengers. With nearly 6 million annual passengers, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport had a complaint rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. King Saud Airport had the lowest complaints among domestic airports, with a complaint rate of 3 per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. 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, multiple communication channels are kept open around the clock to enable interaction with travelers and airport visitors. They are: Call Center number 1929; WhatsApp service at 0115253333; email at gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa; social media accounts; and GACA's website. Through these channels, the authority receives complaints concerning boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility. In support of its partnering airports, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on handling traveler complaints. The booklet, which was circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules for all types of complaints and inquiries. Through regularly held workshops, GACA trains employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travelers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has successfully wrapped up its participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week 2024, held in the Sultanate of Oman from December 9 to 12, where leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations and bodies from across the world gathered to discuss civil aviation security collaboration. During its participation at the event, organized in collaboration with the ICAO, the GACA reviewed its prominent role at both regional and international levels in aviation security, particularly through its chairmanship of the Civil Aviation Security Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, to which it was recently elected to lead for the third consecutive time. Additionally, it has demonstrated its commitment to supporting ICAO initiatives and programs related to security and cyber security in civil aviation, as well as fostering the development of skills and tools that enhance the aviation industry and improve safety standards in air operations and airports. The authority also highlighted its efforts to leverage modern technologies to establish an innovative aviation security sector. During the event, GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej visited the exhibition pavilions on the sidelines of the ICAO Security Week. He was briefed on the latest technologies and innovative security solutions pertaining to air traffic security, drone tracking systems, and cyber security, as well as the best practices and tools employed to tackle security threats stemming from contemporary digital methods and drones, among other topics. The ICAO Security Week 2024 featured a series of bilateral meetings, including discussions led by Al-Duailej. These meetings aimed to strengthen cooperation efforts with aviation authority leaders globally through engaging with officials from the United States of America, the Republic of Egypt, the Sultanate of Oman, and the State of Qatar. Several topics concerning the civil aviation sector and methods to improve collaboration in aviation security were discussed during the meetings.