GACA Highlights Civil Aviation Sector Milestones, Directs Enhanced Efforts to Serve Pilgrims

Riyadh: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held the 20th meeting of the Aviation Program Activation Steering Committee in Riyadh on Wednesday, highlighting the sector's operational milestones. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej chaired the session in the presence of Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Ahmed Alhassan, and CEOs and officials representing national companies and carriers. The meeting was hosted and organized by Tibah Airports Operation Company. According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Duailej underlined the sector's efficient response to recent global challenges and the activation of contingency plans reflecting the growth and resilience of air traffic. He stated that from February 28 to May 3, Saudi Arabia received more than 2,000 flights from neighboring countries' carriers through several Saudi airports, carrying over 258,000 passengers while maintaining smooth air traffic flow and improving passenger experience. During the peak of the crisis, operational performance remained strong, with airports across the Kingdom handling more than 12.1 million passengers from Ramadan 1 until Shawwal 9. The GACA president also noted that Saudi airports continue to rank among the world's top 100 airports for the fifth consecutive year. He added that four airports in the Kingdom won 14 awards for 2026 from Skytrax. Regarding Hajj services, Al-Duailej urged all aviation sector employees to intensify efforts and fully leverage available capabilities to deliver the best services and facilitation for pilgrims, reflecting the Kingdom's leading role in serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.