logo
Riyadh's Malham Airport Designated For General Aviation Operations

Riyadh's Malham Airport Designated For General Aviation Operations

Gulf Insider10-04-2025

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the allocation of a new airport in the capital, Riyadh, dedicated to general aviation operations.
Located in the northern area of Malham — approximately 70 kilometers from downtown Riyadh — the new Malham Airport marks a strategic addition to the Kingdom's growing aviation infrastructure.
Spanning 140,000 square meters, the airport is designed to handle more than 25,000 general aviation flights annually. It will serve as a key hub for private jet owners, business aviation operators, and service providers, enhancing Saudi Arabia's capacity to host international business and entertainment events.
Malham, the airport's location, is rapidly emerging as a center for major global events, including the World Defense Show and the LEAP tech conference. The establishment of an airport in this area supports its transformation into a world-class destination for international gatherings.
GACA stated that the move aligns with the goals of the National Aviation Strategy, which seeks to boost the general aviation sector by increasing the number of operators, improving services, localizing maintenance and repair companies, and strengthening the sector's contribution to the national economy.
The authority emphasized that Malham Airport will offer a fully integrated environment tailored for private aviation, helping to solidify Riyadh's position as a regional and global aviation hub.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

RX to launch inter aviation Arabia in Riyadh in February 2026
RX to launch inter aviation Arabia in Riyadh in February 2026

Trade Arabia

time11-05-2025

  • Trade Arabia

RX to launch inter aviation Arabia in Riyadh in February 2026

RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions and the team behind industry flagships such as inter airport Europe and The Airport Show, Dubai, has announced the launch of inter aviation Arabia, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in February 2026. The event aims to become one of the leading platforms for the aviation industry in the Middle East, significantly contributing to advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its transformation into a global aviation and logistics hub. According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Aviation Strategy is backed by $100 billion in investments and aims to enhance the kingdom's connectivity to over 250 destinations across 29 airports and accommodate 330 million passengers annually by 2030. Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX, said: 'inter aviation Arabia is launching during a significant period of transformation in the aviation sector, both regionally and globally. Our aim is to establish a platform that fosters strategic dialogue, investment, and innovation, ultimately driving meaningful outcomes for the industry while supporting Saudi Arabia's goals of becoming a global aviation hub. We look forward to providing the industry with more details in the coming months." The event will focus on four key pillars: airport investments, infrastructure, equipment, and airline route development. Together, these pillars represent the essential components of a modern and resilient aviation ecosystem. As global air travel continues to grow, advancements in ground support technology, terminal automation, and sustainable operations are transforming equipment standards. Meanwhile, infrastructure and route development remain crucial for capacity expansion and operational efficiency. With optimal conditions for commercial engagement and market growth, inter aviation Arabia will draw a high-quality international audience of decision-makers, including executives from airports and airlines, air cargo carriers, and aviation technology providers. Attendees can expect a world-class showcase of products, live technology demonstrations, and an extensive programme of technical seminars that explore the latest developments in aviation efficiency and innovation.

Saudi Arabia Opens Skies To Foreign Charter Jets In Major Aviation Shake-Up
Saudi Arabia Opens Skies To Foreign Charter Jets In Major Aviation Shake-Up

Gulf Insider

time01-05-2025

  • Gulf Insider

Saudi Arabia Opens Skies To Foreign Charter Jets In Major Aviation Shake-Up

Saudi Arabia has officially opened its domestic airspace to international charter operators, ending long-standing cabotage restrictions and giving foreign private jet companies the green light to fly between cities inside the Kingdom. The change—effective from May 1, 2025—means that non-Saudi business and private jet operators can now run intra-Kingdom charter flights without needing a local partner or special exemption. It's a significant regulatory shift aimed at boosting private aviation and attracting more global investment into the sector. 'This policy change will build real opportunities for growth, create jobs, and make the Kingdom a more connected, accessible place for business and private travel,' said Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA, the country's aviation regulator. The move is part of Saudi Arabia's General Aviation Roadmap, launched in 2024, which targets building a $2 billion general aviation industry by 2030. It includes removing empty-leg restrictions, upgrading infrastructure, and attracting international operators. Since GACA first signaled the rule change in February, several foreign operators have already submitted applications to enter the domestic market—an early sign of investor interest in the newly liberalised space. The reform also supports the country's Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, which includes turning Saudi Arabia into a regional aviation and logistics hub. Opening up domestic airspace to non-Saudi players is seen as a bold, market-friendly step in that direction. Why it matters: Foreign charter firms can now fly domestic routes like Riyadh–Jeddah or Dammam–NEOM. More competition could mean better availability and pricing for private flyers. Signals a more open and investor-friendly stance from Saudi regulators. Bottom line:Saudi Arabia's skies are opening up—literally. With a pro-market policy shift now in place, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a serious player in the global business aviation scene.

Saudi Arabia Set to Open Domestic Charter Market
Saudi Arabia Set to Open Domestic Charter Market

Gulf Insider

time30-04-2025

  • Gulf Insider

Saudi Arabia Set to Open Domestic Charter Market

Saudi Arabia is set to open its domestic private aviation market to foreign operators starting on May 1, 2025, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The Kingdom will remove cabotage restrictions on foreign on-demand charter flights within the country, the authority said in a statement published in February. The new policy will allow foreign charter operators to apply for permission to operate domestic flights, following specific requirements set by GACA. According to the release, the removal of cabotage restrictions marks an important step in GACA's strategy to enhance competition, attract foreign investment, and provide greater flexibility for operators in the general aviation industry. 'GACA is unlocking new opportunities for the global aviation industry, by removing restrictions on charter flight businesses to operate domestically in the Kingdom,' GACA General Manager for General Aviation Imtiyaz Manzary said. 'This regulatory decision supports GACA's roadmap to establish Saudi Arabia as a general aviation hub, alongside an unprecedented infrastructure program to establish new private airports and terminals across the Kingdom,' he added. GACA's General Aviation Roadmap was launched during the Future Aviation Forum in May 2024, and includes a comprehensive transformation program to develop the general aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030, supporting 35,000 jobs. The roadmap aligns infrastructure planning and regulations across the sector, delivering six dedicated business aviation airports and a further nine dedicated business aviation terminals. It will also increase the number of business aviation fixed-base operators and maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity for business jets. Read more: Old Town in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Regains Glory as Grand Prix Lures Tourists

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store