General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia

The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA) is the government body responsible for regulating civil aviation within the kingdom. It oversees the safety and security of aircraft operations, monitors compliance with international standards, and manages the licensing of airlines, pilots, and aviation personnel. GACA also supervises the operation and development of Saudi Arabia’s airports, including major hubs such as King Khalid International and King Abdulaziz International. In addition, the authority provides air navigation services and coordinates with regional and international aviation organisations. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Transportation, under which GACA operates, is responsible for the broader transport sector encompassing roads, railways, ports, and aviation. The ministry formulates national transport policy, oversees infrastructure projects, and ensures the integration of different transport modes across the country.

As the sole civil aviation regulator in Saudi Arabia, GACA implements the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and conducts safety audits and inspections. Its distinguishing attributes include a specialised focus on aviation safety, air traffic management, and the certification of aeronautical personnel and organisations. In December 2016, GACA was targeted by an Iranian threat actor that deployed the Shamoon 2.0 malware, resulting in the compromise and destruction of numerous computers within the authority. This incident highlighted the organisation’s exposure to cyber‑threats and its role as a critical national infrastructure entity. Structurally, GACA functions as a government authority that reports directly to the Ministry of Transportation, which is a cabinet‑level ministry appointed by the Saudi Council of Ministers. The ministry’s oversight ensures that aviation policy aligns with the kingdom’s broader transportation and economic development objectives.