Saudi Arabia removes restrictions on foreign on-demand charter flights
February 6, 2025
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is opening its domestic private aviation market to international operators, enabling foreign charter operators to apply for permission to operate domestic flights.
Effective 1 May, 2025 GACA’s new policy will see the removal of cabotage restrictions on foreign on-demand charter flights.
“GACA is unlocking new opportunities for the global aviation industry, by removing restrictions on charter flight businesses to operate domestically in the Kingdom,” confirmed GACA general manager for General Aviation Imityaz Manzary.
The move builds on impressive growth in Saudi’s private aviation market with 23, 612 business jet flights recorded in 2024, an increase of more than 4,600 flights on 2923 figures. Domestic flights accounted to 9,206 (+26% on 2023) movements last year. In line with Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy as part of Vision 2030, GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap was launched in May 2024 to establish the country as a general aviation hub in the region. There is currently an unprecedented infrastructure programme underway to establish new private airports and terminals across the Kingdom. GACA’s roadmap will deliver six dedicated business aviation airports and a further nine dedicated business aviation hubs. It will also increase the FBO and MRO capacity for business jets.
The removal of cabotage restrictions – regulations that limit foreign-operated aircraft from transporting goods and passengers within a country – represents a significant milestone in GACA’s strategy. This move aims to boost competition, attract foreign investment and offer greater operational flexibility within the general aviation industry.
