GEN 1.2 ENTRY, TRANSIT AND DEPARTURE OF AIRCRAFT

1.2.1 General

1.2.1.1. All flights into, within, or over the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including landings and departures, shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, and procedures of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relating to civil aviation

1.2.1.2. The Applications for Flight Permit shall be submitted through the Flights Authorization Department.

1.2.1.3. Processing, coordination, assessment, issuance, amendment, suspension, and cancellation of flight permits shall be conducted by the Flights Authorization Department.

1.2.1.4. Aircraft landing in or departing from the territory of the Saudi Arabia must first land at or finally depart from, an international aerodrome (see AD1 and AD 2) except as may be otherwise noted in this section.

1.2.1.5. Subject to compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and conditions, foreign civil aircraft registered in a Contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) may operate within Saudi Arabian airspace.
Aircraft manufactured in non-Contracting States may operate within Saudi Arabian airspace provided that the State of Registry confirms compliance with applicable ICAO standards or upon approval by GACA through official diplomatic channels.

1.2.1.6. Aircraft registered in States not party to the Convention on International Civil Aviation may operate within Saudi Arabian airspace only upon specific approval by GACA.

1.2.1.7. All civil aircraft operated into, within, or over the Saudi Arabia must carry on board effective certificates of registration and airworthiness issued by the country of registry, and valid insurance as state in Saudi Aviation Law, Article 10 . Also, Flight crew members shall hold valid licenses and ratings appropriate to their assigned duties.

1.2.1.8. The Applications for flight permits shall be assessed based on safety, security, operational, regulatory, and commercial considerations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1.2.1.9. Aircraft operators shall comply all applicable Saudi Arabian AIP requirements, operational procedures, routing requirements, and relevant instructions associated with operations into, from, or over Saudi Arabian airspace.

1.2.1.10. Each person piloting the aircraft under IFR

Holds a current instrument rating issued under GACAR Part 61 or is authorized by his foreign pilot license to pilot under IFR
Is thoroughly familiar with Saudi Arabia en-route, holding, approach and descent procedures.
At least one operating flight crew member shall be capable of conducting two-way radiotelephone communication in the English language while operating within Saudi Arabian airspace.

1.2.1.11. All foreign air operators in the Saudi Arabia must adhere to ICAO Annex 6 Operation of Aircraft.

1.2.1.12. All operators must state the clearance number in field 18 of the (Flight Plan).

1.2.1.13. All Operators shall comply with airport operational requirements, airport conditions of use, security procedures, and all applicable airport policies within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1.2.1.14. GACA reserves the right to reject, suspend, withdraw, amend, revoke, or restrict any permit or approval at any time were deemed necessary for safety, security, operational, regulatory, or public interest considerations; and any non-compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permit conditions, operational requirements, or published procedures may result in the exercise of such actions, in addition to enforcement measures and penalties in accordance with the Saudi Civil Aviation Law.

1.2.1.15. Submission of a permit application, airport slot allocation, airport approval, operational coordination, or preliminary correspondence shall not be construed as authorization to operate unless an official approval has been issued by the Flights Authorization Department.

1.2.1.16. All operators must follow the Flight Authorization Guide.

1.2.2 Permit application procedures

1.2.2.1 General

1.2.2.1.1. Application for permits in respect of all civil aircraft operations shall be submitted to the GACA (AJWAA platform) Air Transport & international cooperation sector at the address (https://ajwaa.sa). It is mostly required to establish coordination with the civil, military and Airports authorities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1.2.2.1.2. The AJWAA Platform serves as the official electronic portal for local and foreign operators, authorized agents, and aviation service providers to submit and monitor flight permit applications.

1.2.2.1.3. To register on (AJWAA platform), follow the below steps:

Access the platform via: https://ajwaa.sa/
Click on “Beneficiaries Login.”
Log in as an individual through the Nafath portal for Citizens/Residents or Register as non-Citizens/Residents registration application.
a. Please verify personal information and update the mobile number, email address, and address.
Contact the Air Transport Clearance Department to be assigned a under your company account on the system

In case of any technical issues, please follow the steps below:

- Send an email with the subject “Ajwaa Platform Registration” to the following addresses:

- Include a detailed description of the issue.
- Attach a screenshot illustrating the problem.

1.2.2.1.4. Applicants shall comply with the specified application timelines to allow completion of operational, regulatory, and security coordination processes. Applications submitted outside the prescribed timelines may not be considered.

1.2.2.1.5. Completed applications for non-schedule, private flights, overflight permits, and technical stop operations shall be submitted no less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the scheduled operation.

1.2.2.2 Procedures (AJWAA platform)

1.2.2.2.1. Permit requirements and supporting documentation shall vary depending on the selected permit category and purpose of flight.

1.2.2.2.2. Applications for landing or overflight permits shall include all information and supporting documentation required by GACA.

1.2.2.2.2.1. Type of clearance requested (landing / overfly)

1.2.2.2.2.2. Type of permit based on operation.

1.2.2.2.2.2.1 (Single flight permit):

Business / Private
Passengers Charter Flight
Delivery
Tech stop
Ambulance
Carter cargo (Normal / Dangerous) goods
Aerial works Flights
Demo Flights
Other

Note: For Further Details in relation to Dangerous goods Flights Permits see paragraph 1.2.2.5

1.2.2.2.2.2.2 Annual permit for General Aviation/private & Aerial works (revenue and non-revenue):

This permit authorizes the holder to land or overfly the territory of Saudi Arabia.
Must apply request through an authorized agent or valid account.

1.2.2.2.2.2.3 Commercial Schedule flights permit:

1.2.2.2.2.2.3.1 Overfly Commercial IATA seasonal Scheduled:

Non-designated operators (have no landing commercial schedule flight in the territory of KSA) they have the option to obtain their flight permits by:
a. Assigning an authorized agent to apply on their behalf. To do this, they can submit their application to the Flight Authorization Department Email along with an authorization letter (The authorization letter should officially state the assignment of the authorized agent and acknowledge that GACA will not charge any application fees for the seasonal permits).

Note: In the event of any change or cancellation of the assigned agent, an official revocation letter must be submitted to the Flight Authorization Department.
b. For airlines that wish to obtain their flight permits directly without involving middle agents, they can register to AJWAA platform by sending an official letter containing the following:
ICAO designator certificate.
IATA designator certificate.
Main contact details: Name, Mobile, Phone, Email, and Location address

1.2.2.2.2.2.3.2. Landing Commercial IATA Scheduled:

All air carriers or the foreign air carriers' local agents can apply for schedule flights clearances directly from AJWAA platform. The following supporting documents must be submitted with application:

A copy of valid FOC (foreign operator certificate)
A copy of valid economic license for each requested airport.
Settlement of financial obligations owed to the General Authority of Civil Aviation and its affiliated companies.

1.2.2.2.2.2.4 Diplomatic and Military:

All Diplomatic and Military Flights request (owned or leased by the foreign government) must apply via Diplomatic channels Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

1.2.2.3 Permit Validity

1.2.2.3.1. The single flight permit validity shall expire upon its use and the execution of the flight.

1.2.2.3.2. If the approved flight is not operated, the permit shall remain valid for seventy-two (72) hours from the originally approved flight date and time, provided that all approved flight details remain unchanged, including:

Aircraft registration
Operator
Flight route
Call sign
Purpose of flight

1.2.2.3.3. Operating without permits will result in imposing penalties as stipulated in Civil Aviation Law.

1.2.2.4 Permit Application charges

1.2.2.4.1. There are no permit application fees for any commercial scheduled flights permits

1.2.2.4.2. For non-scheduled flights, the application fees apply (100 SAR) per leg.

1.2.2.5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPROVAL (ACCEPTANCE FOR SCHEDULED FLIGHT WITH A VALID PERMIT) AND (SINGLE FLIGHT PERMIT) TO CARRY DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR

1.2.2.5.1 General Requirements

1.2.2.5.1.1. All operators transporting Dangerous Goods by air shall obtain all required approvals, acceptances, exemptions, and regulatory clearances prior to operating the flight.

1.2.2.5.1.2. Applications related to Dangerous Goods operations shall be submitted through the AJWAA Platform no less than ten (10) working days before the date of the Flight.

1.2.2.5.1.3. Requirements for Scheduled Flights (Landing or Overfly):

The operator must coordinate directly with the landing airport to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and safety protocols.
It is mandatory to secure approval (ACCEPTANCE) from the flight authorization’s department at least Ten (10) business days prior to the operation of the flight If the dangerous goods are classified as forbidden or exceed established limitations.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in a violation of aviation safety regulations, which lead to penalties according to aviation law.

1.2.2.5.1.4. Operators shall comply with:

GACAR Part 109;
ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284); and
Applicable supplements, amendments, and related guidance material.

1.2.2.5.1.5. Operators shall include Dangerous Goods details in Item 18 of the ICAO Flight Plan. The pilot-in-command shall inform Saudi Air Navigation Services (ATC) of the Dangerous Goods being carried prior to entering Saudi Arabian airspace.

1.2.2.5.1.6. All operators transporting Dangerous Goods by Air that Are Forbidden Under Normal Circumstances for local entity must fill the “Appendix 4. FORM OF DANGEROUS GOODS EXEMPTIONS AND APPROVALS” (PDF) and submitted to DGFC@gaca.gov.sa.

1.2.2.5.1.7. GACA reserves the right to reject, suspend, withdraw, or restrict any approval related to Dangerous Goods operations in the event of non-compliance with applicable regulatory, operational, or security requirements.

1.2.2.5.1.8. Applicants when applying for a dangerous goods flight permit, are required to complete the requirements given in Annex 1 or Annex 2 as the case maybe.

1.2.2.5.1.9. Failure to complete the requirements in full or part may result in a delay in processing the application.

1.2.2.5.2 Appendix 1 / Requirements:

Requirements for Approval to Carrying Dangerous Goods by Air Except IATA DGR (Class 7) To obtain the permit, along with the application form duly filled, the applicants must submit the following supporting documents:

Airway Bill (AWB).
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) by the operator.
A certificate of Operations Specifications for the carrier specifying the registration of the aircraft.
Risk Assessment by the operator in the event of a shipment(s) that is prohibited/forbidden to transport by air or a shipment that is allowed to be transported and exceeds the permissible limit.
An Exemption letter in the event of a shipment/ shipments that is prohibited/forbidden from being transported by air or a shipment that is allowed to be transported but exceeds the limit allowed by the state (Carrier/ Recipient/ Operator).
Diplomatic Request Number (FCR), in case the cargo is related to Diplomatic/Military use.
Determine the Emergency Airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia according to the flight route.
Any other relevant documents related to the carriage of Dangerous Good by air must be provided.

1.2.2.5.3 Appendix 2 / Requirements (Radioactive Materials):

To obtain the permit, along with the application form duly filled, the applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
• Import and Export Permits. In case the permits are not required, the applicant shall submit a proof that the permits are not required.
• End user certificate.
• Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD), which specifies the Activity and Transport Index (Tl).
• Airway Bill (AWB).
• Copy of insurance policy.
• Copy of Package Design Certificate, if applicable.
• Materials Technical Description.
• Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
• A certificate of Operations Specifications for the carrier specifying the registration of the aircraft.
• Duly filled form of (International Air Transport of Nuclear or Radioactive Material Approval Request) "Appendix 3". Radioactive Form (1).pdf
• Diplomatic Request Number (FCR), in case the cargo is related to Diplomatic/Military use.
• Determine the Emergency Airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia according to the flight route.

1.2.3 Application for slots (landing in Saudi Arabia civil Airports)

1.2.3.1. Contact details for ACL are as follow:

SITA: OCS Portal online-coordination.com
Email: for general enquiry ksa_slots@acl-uk.org
IATA SSIM Messages should be sent to slots@acl-international.com

1.2.3.2. Allocated slot for any commercial operation (IATA scheduled or non-scheduled) flights, it does not mean a clearance; applicants are required to obtain GACA flight authorization department for final approval.

1.2.3.3. Airport approval does not mean the airline(s) / operator(s) approved to operate unless the airline(s) / operator(s) have the approval from the flight's authorization department.

1.2.4 Public health measures applied to aircraft.

1.2.4.1. Public health measures are required to be carried out in respect of aircraft entering Saudi Arabia in the circumstances specified in the following paragraph.

1.2.4.2. The Government reserves the right to disinfect every aircraft coming from an area of yellow fever infection. When required, disinfection shall be the responsibility of the air carrier and will be subject to monitoring by the appropriate officials of the Saudi Arabian government.

1.2.4.2.1. The cargo compartment shall be disinfected before the mail, baggage, and other cargo are discharged and the rest of the aircraft must be disinfected after passengers and crew deplane.

1.2.4.2.2. Disinfection shall be performed with an approved insecticide in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

1.2.4.3. All food and potable water taken on board an aircraft at any airport and intended for human consumption thereon must be obtained from sources approved in accordance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority rules and guidelines.

1.2.4.4. Aircraft inbound or outbound on an international flight must not discharge over the Saudi Arabia any excrement or wastewater or other polluting materials. Arriving aircraft must discharge such matters only at servicing areas approved under regulations cited in paragraph 1.2.5.3 above.

1.2.4.5. Aircraft on an international voyage, which are in traffic between Saudi Arabia aerodromes, will be subject to inspection when there occurs on board, among passengers or crew, any death, or any ill person, or when illness is suspected to be caused by insanitary conditions.

1.2.5 Ramp Inspection

1.2.5.1. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will conduct random ramp inspections of inbound and outbound aircraft. All crews are expected to fully cooperate with GACA inspectors who are performing their duties. Pilot in command will be fully responsible in case of any findings and any resulting actions taken by GACA inspectors. Findings are categorized as follows:

1.2.5.1.1. Category 1 finding: a minor finding which does not affect the safe operation of the aircraft. The action may be a verbal debriefing and / or a copy of the ramp inspection report.

1.2.5.1.2. Category 2 finding: a finding concerns deficiencies that have a limited effect on the safe operation of the aircraft. The action may be a verbal debriefing and / or a copy of the ramp inspection report or if significant, by communication with the responsible State Authority and the home base of the Operator.

1.2.5.1.3. Category 3 finding: a major finding that concerns the safe operation of the aircraft. The action depends on the severity of the finding and may range as follow:

a)   Restriction of aircraft operation. The aircraft is fit to fly but under certain restrictions.
b)   Corrective action is required before further flight is authorized.
c)   Aircraft is grounded in a situation where findings are not accepted by the captain and/ or no corrective action has been taken before flight.
d)   Suspension or revocation of the entry permission.

Note : GACA - SS and AT form 110-1 (referred to by operators as FOC) is only valid to one and only one operator who has been awarded the permit as shown on the form in the operator section.Discrepancies with the use of this form constitutea violation and will generate a fine and can cause grounding of aircraft.