Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially removed cabotage restrictions on charter flight operations, with several international business and private jet operators already applying for permits to operate flights within the Kingdom.
The decision, effective today, May 1, marks a major milestone in GACA’s strategy to transform Saudi Arabia into a global aviation hub and drive the growth of the private aviation and business jet sector.
“GACA is excited to welcome international operators to fly within Saudi Arabia. This policy change will build real opportunities for growth, create jobs, and make the Kingdom a more connected, accessible place for business and private travel. We believe this step will unlock huge potential for operators and passengers alike,” stated Imtiyaz Manzary, general manager for general aviation at GACA.
Saudi Arabia targets $2 billion private aviation sector
This policy change is a key pillar of the General Aviation Roadmap, first announced in May 2024, which outlines a comprehensive plan to develop the private aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030. In addition to regulatory reforms like lifting cabotage and removing empty-leg restrictions, the roadmap includes major infrastructure investments across the Kingdom.
“Saudi Arabia’s business jet sector achieved a record 24 percent jump in flight volumes in 2024 to 23,612 flights, with domestic jet flights rising 26 percent to 9,206 and international jet flights rising 15 percent to 14,406,” said the authority.
Operators interested in entering the Saudi market
Since the initial announcement of the cabotage removal in February, GACA has received several applications from international and regional charter flight operators expressing interest in entering Saudi Arabia’s market. This early momentum reflects growing investor confidence in the Kingdom’s aviation vision and the attractiveness of its evolving general aviation landscape.
The opening of the domestic charter market also supports Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 and Saudi Aviation Strategy objectives, positioning the Kingdom as a more open, competitive and investor-friendly destination for aviation.
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General Aviation Sector Development Committee launched
Alongside this decision, GACA announced in February a national General Aviation Sector Development Committee to enhance Saudi Arabia’s proposition as a general aviation hub, including international private aviation investors, operators and service providers.
The committee will engage in infrastructure planning and regulatory processes to enhance the Kingdom’s general aviation sector value proposition.
