The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) aims to regulate the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom, develop and monitor its performance, attract private-sector investments, and develop the air transport industry and other related activities within the Kingdom, in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
In 1947, the authority responsible for civil aviation in the Kingdom was established under the name "Civil Aviation Authority," which included both Saudi Airlines and the Civil Aviation Administration. In 1963, Saudi Airlines was separated from the Civil Aviation authority, and the latter was renamed the Civil Aviation Directorate." In 1977, the name was changed to the "General Authority of Civil Aviation."
By Cabinet Decision No. (13), issued on 17/1/1425H (2004), the Civil Aviation Presidency was transformed into a public authority with legal personality, financial independence, and administrative autonomy, operating based on commercial principles and standards. It was then renamed the "General Authority of Civil Aviation." On 9/12/1432H (2011), Royal Decree No. A/230 was issued, separating the General Authority of Civil Aviation from the Ministry of Defense, granting it greater independence and enabling it to advance the aviation industry in the Kingdom.
On 30/7/1437H (2016), Royal Decree No. A/133 was issued, linking the General Authority of Civil Aviation to the Minister of Transport. Furthermore, on 11/4/1438H, Royal Order No. 17049 was issued, separating the operational and legislative functions within the Authority. This aimed to deepen its role as a legislator and regulator of the aviation sector in the Kingdom, ensuring impartiality toward all operators and stakeholders in the sector.[1]
Vision & Mission
Vision: A leading civil aviation ecosystem.
Mission: To contribute to national economic growth and enhance air connectivity through a pioneering regulatory environment and a safe, sustainable aviation system.[1]
Strategic Objectives:
Safety & Security: Ensure highest levels of safety and security in KSA aviation sector.
Environmental Sustainability: Promote development of sustainable measures to reduce environmental impact.
Sector Growth & Competitiveness: Develop economic policies to enable traffic growth, service quality, fair competition and connectivity.
Sector Programme Activation & Delivery: Activate and monitor aviation sector programme implementation and enable new technology adoption.[1]
GACA Functions:
In pursuit of its objectives, and without prejudice to the competencies of other relevant entities, the Authority shall exercise the following powers and perform the following functions:
Develop policies and strategies, prepare laws and regulations related to the civil aviation sector, and submit matters that require completion of regulatory procedures in this regard.
Oversee the operation of airports and civil aerodromes, and ensure that airlines, airports, and companies operating in the civil aviation sector comply with the laws, regulations, and standards related to the civil aviation sector, implement the civil aviation strategy, and maintain business continuity.
Issue licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, approvals, and accreditations related to civil aviation.
Establish security procedures and standards related to civil aviation and monitor their implementation, in accordance with local and international requirements and developments, in coordination with relevant entities.
Review applications for practicing brokerage activities related to the civil aviation sector, in accordance with the procedures established by the Authority.
Issue permits for scheduled, charter, and private flights, including military and diplomatic flights, in accordance with the controls and procedures established by the Authority.
Review applications for providing consultancy services related to the civil aviation sector, in accordance with the procedures established by the Authority.
Establish unified standards for smart airports and communication technologies to improve and enrich passenger experiences and ensure the implementation of international and local best practices without compromising information and data security in the field of civil aviation, in coordination with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission.
Organize environmental protection programs in the field of civil aviation and supervise them, in coordination with relevant entities, in line with local and international standards.
Approve contracts between the licensed airport operator and external parties for safety, security, facilitation, and service quality standards, without prejudice to the relevant laws and regulations.
Supervise the management and use of air communication frequencies licensed for use in the field of civil aviation, in accordance with the controls established by the Authority, and coordinate in this regard with relevant entities.
Issue the Saudi Aeronautical Information Publication, which contains the aeronautical information necessary for air navigation in the Kingdom’s territory, and issue civil aviation information bulletins.
Coordinate with relevant entities to ensure the safety and security of civil aviation in the Kingdom’s territory.
Define terms related to the civil aviation sector, without prejudice to what is stated in treaties and international agreements related to civil aviation ratified by the Kingdom.
Take the necessary measures to implement treaties and international agreements related to civil aviation ratified by the Kingdom.
Approve agreements and commercial arrangements concluded between national or foreign air carriers when operating from and to the Kingdom’s territory, taking into account the economic, social, and security aspects, in accordance with the provisions of treaties and international agreements related to civil aviation ratified by the Kingdom.
Conclude agreements, memoranda of understanding, and protocols related to civil aviation, in accordance with the applicable regulatory procedures.
Represent the Kingdom in regional and international organizations and committees related to civil aviation, in accordance with the applicable regulatory procedures.
Organize exhibitions and conferences, and hold scientific seminars and workshops related to civil aviation, in accordance with the applicable regulatory procedures.
Conduct technical investigations into civil aviation accidents and incidents, without prejudice to the competencies of the National Transportation Safety Center.[2]
