Riyadh, January 14, 2025 – The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has released its report for 2024, highlighting the regulatory measures taken to ensure compliance with the Civil Aviation Bylaw and the authority's executive regulations. The report reveals that a total of 542 fines, amounting to SAR 18,892,200, were levied against both entities and individuals found in violation of aviation regulations over the past year.
Among the violations recorded, 111 cases involved airlines failing to adhere to GACA’s instructions, particularly those related to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the timely adherence to time slots. These infractions resulted in fines totaling SAR 3,650,000. Additionally, nine more violations were identified, leading to fines of SAR 290,000, underscoring the importance of strict compliance with aviation protocols.
A significant portion of the fines was issued for breaches of the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, with 305 violations recorded against airlines for failing to meet the required standards. This led to a hefty total of SAR 14,425,000 in penalties. Furthermore, GACA imposed fines on 17 licensed companies that did not comply with the authority’s instructions and civil aviation regulations, totaling SAR 175,000. Two additional companies were fined SAR 40,000 for failing to adhere to the provisions of their operating licenses issued by GACA.
The report also detailed violations committed by individuals, with 92 cases in total. Notably, 15 violations were linked to individuals using drones without obtaining the proper permit from GACA, leading to fines amounting to SAR 75,000. Another 74 violations were related to passengers who failed to comply with aviation safety instructions or displayed inappropriate behavior on board, resulting in fines of SAR 79,200. Three instances of trespassing in restricted airport areas led to fines totaling SAR 3,000, while six violations for operating gliders without a permit resulted in a total fine of SAR 155,000.
These measures reflect GACA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing aviation safety, protecting passenger rights, and ensuring the quality of air transport services in the Kingdom. The authority emphasized that its regulatory and supervisory role plays a critical part in improving the overall passenger experience and maintaining the integrity of the aviation sector.
The comprehensive nature of these penalties serves as a clear message to all stakeholders within the Saudi aviation industry about the importance of maintaining strict compliance with regulations. GACA’s efforts to enforce these rules transparently contribute to the Kingdom’s broader goals of strengthening the civil aviation infrastructure and ensuring a safe and efficient air travel environment for all passengers.
By holding both individual and corporate violators accountable, GACA continues to uphold its regulatory mandate, ensuring that air travel in Saudi Arabia remains safe, reliable, and aligned with international aviation standards.