Saudi issuing licences for new airlines 

A Saudi official said yesterday that the kingdom is working on issuing new licences for airlines to operate within the country.

The statement was made by Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia, during his participation in the Egypt International Aviation and Space Exhibition in the Egyptian New Alamein City.

In an interview with Al Arabiya Business, Al-Duailej revealed that work is underway to issue new licences for private airlines at Saudi airports.

He highlighted that Saudia Airlines recently secured a deal to purchase 105 new aircraft, with Jeddah airport being used as a major hub for the airline in the coming years.

Al-Duailej also emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy aims to increase passenger numbers to 300 million. The country has already established direct connections to 170 destinations out of a target of 250.

He further noted plans to expand Abha Airport’s capacity to accommodate 13 million passengers.

In March 2023, the Saudi Public Investment Fund announced the launch of Riyadh Air, a new national carrier, to develop the aviation sector and reinforce the kingdom’s strategic position as a hub connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.

Saudi saw a surge in tourism in 2023, with around 27 million international visitors spending over 100 billion riyals, while domestic tourist numbers reached 77 million.

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