RIYADH : The move, effective May 1, 2025, follows the removal of long-standing cabotage restrictions and makes VistaJet the first international operator granted such clearance.
The approval was issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), which said the decision is designed to boost competition and enhance service quality for travelers. Officials highlighted the step as part of the Kingdom’s wider general aviation roadmap, linking the sector’s growth with tourism and investment ambitions under Vision 2030.
“This is not just about luxury flyers,” aviation officials noted, emphasizing that foreign participation is expected to stimulate investment, expand services, and support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract high-value tourism.
Read More
- Germany records nearly 10,000 heat-related deaths this year
- US military completes two-hour strikes on dozens of IRGC targets in Iran
- Russia charges Telegram founder Pavel Durov with ‘facilitating terrorism’, issues international arrest warrant
- Meta, BlackRock partner to build USD 14 billion Texas data center campus
- India at UNSC says “world’s focus on Strait of Hormuz” must not divert attention from Gaza
VistaJet’s entry marks a milestone in one of the region’s most competitive aviation markets, carrying the distinction of being “first through the door.” Industry analysts say the authorization could pave the way for other international players to follow, reshaping the private aviation landscape in the Kingdom.
For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.
