Saudi Arabia Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)
- Website: https://gaca.gov.sa
- Contact: GACA HQ, Jeddah | Tel: +966 12 640 5000 | Email: generalaviation@gaca.gov.sa | eServices Portal: https://myeservices.gaca.gov.sa
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private flights require GACA permit with 5-7 days lead time. Handling agent mandatory.
Non-scheduled flights require GACA permit, minimum 7 business days. Complex application process.
Bilateral agreements via GACA. Recently liberalized under Vision 2030.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: GACA
- Lead Time: 24-48 hours (minimum); 3 business days recommended
- Validity: +/- 24 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; route navigation charges apply
Mandatory for ALL private non-revenue and charter flights. Israeli-registered aircraft or aircraft to/from Israel are PROHIBITED. Overflights involving Israeli routes require case-by-case approval. FIR overflights must follow designated airways; direct routings rarely accepted. No-fly zones over Mecca and Medina and other restricted/military areas.
1. Submit overflight request to GACA at least 24-48 hours before (3 business days recommended) 2. Provide: operator name, aircraft type & registration, full flight schedule with entry/exit points and route, crew & passenger count 3. No aircraft documents required for overflight 4. IMPORTANT: No flights to/from Israel; no Israeli-registered aircraft 5. Designated airways only -- direct routings generally not accepted 6. Permit issued by GACA; reference permit number in flight plan
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: GACA
- Lead Time: 3 business days (minimum); 5 business days recommended
- Validity: +/- 24 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; standard landing/parking/nav fees apply
Required for all private and charter operations. Local business sponsor details (name, contact, ID) required for landing permits. No operations to/from Israel permitted. Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia lifted cabotage ban in May 2024 -- foreign charter operators can now apply for domestic sectors (requires MISA registration, GACA approval, GACAR Part 129 compliance). Purpose of flight must be stated in all applications.
1. Engage a local handler and local business sponsor 2. Submit landing permit to GACA at least 3 business days (5 recommended) before 3. Provide: aircraft registration, airworthiness certificate, AOC (charter), insurance, noise certificate, crew licenses and details 4. Provide: full passenger manifest, local business sponsor details (name, contact info, ID copy) 5. State purpose of flight explicitly 6. Obtain airport slot from relevant authority 7. GACA processes via eServices portal (myeservices.gaca.gov.sa) 8. No government processing fees; pay standard landing/parking fees on arrival 9. For cabotage (domestic sectors): register with MISA, apply to GACA with business plan, comply with GACAR Part 129
Cabotage
Conditional (newly opened May 2024)
General Remarks
Vision 2030 driving significant aviation liberalization. Cabotage restrictions lifted May 2024 for foreign charter operators meeting requirements. Strict no-fly zones over Mecca, Medina, and military areas. Israel prohibition strictly enforced. Handler mandatory at all airports. Alcohol and pork products prohibited.