UK flyers transiting Saudi airports will no longer face double security checks thanks to one-stop deal

Time of India

18 hours ago

The UK-Saudi One-Stop Airport Agreement allows UK flyers to skip security checks in Saudi airports, as checks completed in the UK are recognized/ Image: (File)
Passengers flying out of the United Kingdom and connecting through Saudi Arabia will now experience a much smoother airport transit process. Thanks to a newly signed
One-Stop Security Agreement
between the UK Government and Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), travelers from the UK will no longer be required to undergo a second round of security screening when passing through Saudi airports.
This bilateral agreement is designed to reduce long wait times and simplify the travel experience for passengers connecting to onward destinations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East via Saudi hubs. Previously, even passengers merely transiting through Saudi Arabia had to clear local security checks again, adding stress, time, and often longer layovers to their journeys.
How the Change Works
The key change lies in mutual recognition: Saudi Arabia will now accept security screenings conducted at UK airports as valid for transit purposes.
That means passengers who have already passed through airport security at locations like London Heathrow, Manchester, or Birmingham won't be screened again at Saudi entry points such as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
According to Mohammed Al-Fawzan, Executive Vice President for Aviation Security at GACA, 'This agreement reflects the high level of trust and alignment between the security frameworks of both countries.'
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He also emphasized that the agreement is expected to 'significantly reduce transit wait times and improve the overall travel experience, particularly for those making onward connections to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East via Saudi airports.'
Benefits for GCC and Long-Haul Travelers
The agreement is not only a breakthrough for UK-based travelers but also for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents who often begin their long-haul journeys via UK airports.
Many travelers from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar frequently transit through Saudi hubs when flying from the UK to destinations like India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
By eliminating redundant security procedures, the new policy will save time, reduce stress, and offer a more seamless journey—particularly beneficial for:
Business travelers on tight schedules
Families navigating complex multi-leg journeys
Frequent flyers seeking convenience and efficiency
Additionally, this move supports Saudi Arabia's broader vision of transforming itself into a global aviation hub.
The modernization of airport infrastructure and enhancement of passenger experience are key pillars of its national aviation strategy.
A Strategic Win for Both Countries
The One-Stop Security Agreement marks a new level of cooperation between the UK and Saudi Arabia in civil aviation and national security. It signals increased trust in each other's airport screening systems and brings Saudi Arabia in line with global standards that favor traveler convenience without compromising safety.
For passengers, the impact is immediate and practical: faster transfers, fewer delays, and a more pleasant travel experience.
As travel rebounds globally and Saudi Arabia positions its major airports as competitive transit hubs, this development could attract more international travelers to use Saudi airports as layover points, not just out of necessity, but by choice.