RIYADH: In a significant move aimed at boosting the Kingdom’s aviation sector, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has been granted full financial and administrative independence, according to a new regulation published in the official Umm Al-Qura gazette.
The updated framework provides GACA with expanded powers to regulate and develop the Saudi aviation industry in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The measure is expected to enhance the sector’s attractiveness to investors while ensuring strict oversight of airlines, airports, and aviation-related services.
The regulation introduces a comprehensive set of policies covering licensing, permits, and operations for civil, private, military, and diplomatic flights.
It also places GACA at the helm of key responsibilities including aviation security, environmental sustainability, frequency spectrum management, and aeronautical information services.
In a push to modernize the sector, the regulation mandates unified standards for the implementation of smart airport technologies and seeks to significantly enhance the passenger experience across the Kingdom’s airports.
The GACA board, now chaired by the Minister of Transport and including both public and private sector representatives, has been authorized to approve major policies, strategies, budgets, investments, and international agreements.
The chairman of the board will also serve as the authority’s CEO, tasked with overseeing operations, appointing staff, managing expenditures, and legally representing GACA.
The regulatory overhaul is seen as a major step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform its transportation infrastructure and position itself as a global aviation hub.
