GACA Advances Environmental Sustainability in Civil Aviation on World Environment Day

Riyadh: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) continues its efforts to enhance environmental sustainability in the civil aviation sector through the adoption of initiatives and regulatory solutions that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improving resource efficiency, in conjunction with World Environment Day observed annually on June 5 and in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at achieving sustainable development and environmental protection. According to Saudi Press Agency, environmental sustainability is a key pillar of the Kingdom's civil aviation ecosystem strategy. It underpins GACA's efforts to develop and implement sustainable measures that reduce the sector's environmental impact while promoting a balance between the rapid growth of air transport and the preservation of the environment and natural resources. In 2025, several notable achievements were recorded in this field, most prominently strengthening compliance with international environmental protection stand ards in the civil aviation sector through the integration of environmental compliance indicators into the national safety program, alongside the adoption of modern regulatory frameworks, such as the Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap. Strategic initiatives were also implemented to improve airspace and resource utilization efficiency and support the sector's sustainability. GACA also continued implementing the Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Plan and the national emissions reduction plan, alongside compliance with the requirements under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), one of the leading global initiatives of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce carbon emissions resulting from international air transport. GACA's institutional performance indicators for 2025 showed a 100% compliance rate with the CORSIA timeline, reflecting the efficiency of the regulatory and oversight measures in place and the Kingdom's commitment to fulfilling its international responsibilities in addressing climate change and reducing aviation-related emissions. Performance indicators for 2025 also reflected tangible progress across several areas that contributed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the modernization of national carriers' fleets, improved operational efficiency, and higher passenger load factors.