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Country Brief

Capital

Riyadh

Time Zone

Arabian Standard Time (AST) – UTC+3

Currency

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Airports

Total Number of Airports: 29 | International Airports: 13 | Domestic Airports: 14 | Regional Airports: 2

Major Hubs

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), King Fahd International Airport (DMM)

Civil Aviation Authority

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) | Website: https://gaca.gov.sa/

Travel

Saudi Arabia offers a variety of attractions, from historical sites to modern skyscrapers. Must-visit destinations include:

• Riyadh: The capital city, featuring modern skyscrapers, shopping districts, and cultural heritage sites.
• Jeddah: A major port city with historic souks, the Jeddah Corniche, and the famous King Fahd Fountain.
• Mecca & Medina: Religious pilgrimage sites that attract millions of visitors annually.
• AlUla: Home to ancient rock formations and UNESCO-listed heritage sites like Hegra.
• Red Sea Resorts: Luxurious seaside developments, ideal for diving and water sports.

Operational Safety:

• Security: Saudi Arabia enforces strict security measures at airports and public spaces. Travelers should comply with regulations and customs laws.
• Natural Disasters: Sandstorms and extreme heat are common in the summer months.
• Healthcare: High-quality healthcare is available in major cities, but travel insurance is recommended.

Health and Safety Tips:

• Carry necessary prescription medications in their original packaging with prescriptions.
• Follow local hygiene practices and respect cultural dress codes.
• Stay informed on local health advisories and vaccination requirements.

Immigration and Visa Requirements:

• Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained through the Saudi eVisa portal or at embassies. https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• Visa types include: Business, Tourist, Umrah (pilgrimage), and Work visas.
• GCC nationals do not require a visa.
• Pilgrimage travelers must apply for a special Hajj or Umrah visa.

To immigrate to Saudi Arabia, you typically need the following:

• Valid passport.
• A visa based on your purpose of entry (like work, travel, visit or pilgrimage).
• Proof of employment (if applicable).
• A health report

Crew Visa Update:

Flight crew can now obtain a six-month multiple-entry visa upon arrival by presenting a valid crew ID, passport, and General Declaration. This streamlined process enhances operational lexibility for frequent lights to Saudi Arabia.

However, the visa can be limited to 72 hours only in some cases based on the authority’s decision.

Customs:

All flights entering Saudi Arabia must have, prior to arrival, all alcohol on board in a locked and sealed (seal must be plastic & written sequence number) container. In the event of an international departure, customs will check the status of the bar, for a domestic departure the bar will be of loaded by customs and returned for the international departure. Should these rules not be applied customs will coniscate the bar and issue fines. To avoid issues please ensure the items are locked and sealed prior to arrival.

Cabotage Regulations:

Starting May 2025, business aircraft operators with foreign-registered aircraft will be allowed to transport passengers within Saudi Arabia under specific conditions. These conditions will be announced later, but the change presents new opportunities for charter operators in the region. Contact ops@hadid.aero for the latest information.

Permit Requirements:

Aircraft operators planning to fly to, from, or over Saudi Arabia must obtain prior approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Only authorized and licensed agents are allowed to submit the permit request to GACA through their online portal.

Overflight Permits:

• Required for all non-Saudi registered aircraft transiting Saudi airspace.
• Issued by GACA based on flight details and operator credentials.
• Typically requires a minimum of 48 hours' notice before departure for processing.
• HADID can get permit within 6 hours.

Requirements:

• Flight Schedule (route, origin, and destination).
• Lead Passenger’s name and nationality.
• Aircraft Details (registration, type, and operator information).
• Air Operator Certificate (AOC) (for commercial operators).
• Certificate of Airworthiness (COA).
• Insurance Certificate (covering liability in Saudi airspace).
• Noise Certificate.

Landing Permits:

• Mandatory for all foreign-registered aircraft landing at Saudi airports.
• Required for commercial, private, cargo, and charter operations.
• Issued upon submission of required documentation and approval from relevant authorities.
• Typically requires a minimum of 48 hours' notice before departure for processing. HADID can get the permit within 12 hours.

Requirements:

To obtain an overflight or landing permit, operators must submit:

• Flight Schedule (route, origin, and destination)
• General Declaration including crew and passenger details
• Passenger Manifest (for passenger flights)
• Aircraft Details (registration, type, and operator information)
• Air Operator Certificate (AOC) (for commercial operators)
• Certificate of Airworthiness (COA)
• Insurance Certificate (covering liability in Saudi airspace)
• Noise Certificate
• Purpose of Flight & Itinerary
• Handler name & ground handling confirmation (PDF format if available from the
• handler)

Permit Validity:

• Overflight and landing permits generally require at least 48 hours for processing.
• Consult with HADID’s operations team for flights that have less than the lead time requirement.
• The permit is valid for the same day of operations only. Any change to schedule or delay
• must be approved by GACA.
• Special permits may be required for VIP flights, military aircraft, or diplomatic operations

Operators should verify the latest permit requirements with HADID Operations or GACA before planning flights to or over Saudi Arabia.

Catering:

It is recommended to have the catering ordered not less than 24 hours before the departure time

Transportation arrangement:

Please request transportation not less than 48 hours before flight operation.

Restrictions:

• Flight details must match the FPL. Any change should be amended with GACA to avoid rejecting the FPL.
• Any change in flight information, including the number of passengers or crew, time change, destination, etc. should be communicated & approved by Saudi Arabian authorities.
• Noncompliance with the above statement will incur high penalties against the operator, in addition to banning the aircraft from using Saudi Aerospace.
• Update/Revision are usually accepted by GACA within +72 hours from the approved operation date. Otherwise, a new application must be submitted to CAA.
• All flights going from/to Yemen (even overflying Yemen from/to Saudi Arabia FIR) should have EHOC approval. Otherwise, aircraft will be denied by Saudi Arabian authorities.

Major Airports

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED | OEJN)

Location

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Time Zone

Arabian Standard Time (UTC+3)

Operating Hours

24/7

Coordinates

N 21° 40' 10.78" / E 039° 09' 05.47"

Flight Rules

IFR & VFR

Distance from City Center

19 km

Fire Category

CAT 10

Slots

Required for commercial operations

FBO

Available

Jet Fuel

Available (Jet A1)

Qualification

Not mandatory

Ground Handling

Mandatory

King Khalid International Airport (RUH | OERK)

Location

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Time Zone

Arabian Standard Time (UTC+3)

Operating Hours

24/7

Coordinates

N 24° 57' 04.99" / E 046° 41' 55.01"

Flight Rules

IFR & VFR

Distance from City Center

35 km

Fire Category

CAT 10

Slots

Required for commercial flights

FBO

Available

Jet Fuel

Available (Jet A1)

Qualification

Not mandatory

Ground Handling

Mandatory

King Fahd International Airport (DMM | OEDF)

Location

Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Time Zone

Arabian Standard Time (UTC+3)

Operating Hours

24/7

Coordinates

N 26° 28' 09.80" / E 049° 47' 56.00"

Flight Rules

IFR & VFR

Distance from City Center

40 km

Fire Category

CAT 10

Slots

Required for commercial flights

FBO

Available

Jet Fuel

Available (Jet A1)

Qualification

Not mandatory

Ground Handling

Mandatory