The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially granted authorization to VistaJet, making it the first international private jet operator permitted to operate domestic flights within Saudi Arabia.
The authorization follows the removal of cabotage restrictions for on-demand charter operations, a policy change that came into effect on May 1, 2025.
The decision is part of a broader national strategy aimed at attracting foreign investment, enhancing sector competitiveness, and aligning the kingdom with international best practices in aviation.
Read: Saudi aviation sector contributes $90.6 billion to GDP, supports 1.4 million jobs: IATA
Historic authorization follows regulatory reforms
VistaJet’s entry into Saudi Arabia’s domestic market is seen as a strategic milestone supporting the kingdom’s ambition to become a regional and global aviation hub.
The move is aligned with the goals of the aviation program under Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to:
- Position the kingdom as the Middle East’s leading aviation sector by 2030
- Transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe
- Support the expansion of the tourism sector, especially high-end travel experiences
By allowing international operators to conduct domestic charter flights, Saudi Arabia is not only opening its skies but also creating a more diverse, competitive, and investor-friendly aviation environment.
Awad Alsulami, executive vice president for Economic Policies and Logistics Services at GACA, said: “Authorizing VistaJet as the first international private jet operator for domestic operations in the kingdom is a milestone in enhancing the general aviation market in Saudi Arabia.
“This step will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and raise the quality of services for private aviation customers in the kingdom and across the region.”
GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap
The authorization is also a key part of GACA’s ongoing General Aviation Roadmap, which outlines a comprehensive strategy to:
- Align infrastructure development with sector growth
- Modernize and streamline regulatory frameworks
- Expand investment opportunities in general aviation
The roadmap supports the development of a dynamic and globally competitive general aviation sector, while also boosting Saudi Arabia’s appeal in luxury travel and high-value tourism; a segment increasingly seen as a driver of economic diversification.
The approval granted to VistaJet signals a turning point for private aviation in Saudi Arabia and reinforces the country’s commitment to building a world-class aviation ecosystem that attracts global players and delivers high-quality services to both residents and international visitors.
