Regulations and Government
Saudi’s GACA Lifts Air Charter Cabotage Restrictions
International air charter operators with a permit can now fly point-to-point domestic flights in Saudi Arabia
Red Sea International Airport, Saudi Arabia
Red Sea International Airport, shown here while under construction, opened in September 2023.

Cabotage restrictions for air charter operations in Saudi Arabia are now eliminated under General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) rules that took effect today. This move by the aviation regulator opens Saudi Arabia’s domestic private aviation market to international on-demand operators that apply for permission from GACA and also follow specific requirements set by the agency.

Since the initial announcement of the cabotage removal in February 2025, GACA has received several applications from international and regional air charter operators expressing interest in entering the Saudi market. “This early momentum reflects growing investor confidence in the kingdom’s aviation vision and the attractiveness of its evolving general aviation landscape,” it noted.