In a key development for Saudi Arabian aviation, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially approved VistaJet—a Malta‑based international private jet firm—to operate domestic charter flights within the Kingdom. This approval marks VistaJet as the first international private jet operator ever permitted for such service across Saudi Arabia’s domestic skies.
Lifting the Cabotage Ban: A Strategic Shift
This landmark permission follows the Kingdom’s removal of cabotage restrictions on May 1, 2025, which previously barred foreign operators from flying passengers between Saudi cities. With this legislation change, VistaJet and potentially other foreign charter firms can now tap into an expanded domestic market.
A Transformational Move for Saudi Aviation
VistaJet’s authorization underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to liberalize general aviation and align with its Vision 2030 national transformation agenda. The move is part of GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy—designed to position the Kingdom as the leading aviation hub in the Middle East by 2030, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe while boosting tourism and investment.
GACA’s Executive Vice President, Awad Alsulami, hailed the authorization as a milestone in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s general aviation market. He emphasized that it would stimulate competition, drive sector growth, and improve service quality for private aviation customers both within and beyond the region.
VistaJet: A Long-standing Partner in Luxury Travel
VistaJet, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Malta, operates a global business aviation service featuring a fleet of over 270 jets and a membership-based model offering both “Program” (subscription-based) and on‑demand charter options. It has served Saudi Arabia for more than 15 years and recorded a 32% increase in local program membership during the first half of 2025—reflecting strong growth in demand.
Chief Operating Officer Nick van der Meer highlighted that expanding domestic operations would not only enhance VistaJet’s regional presence but also optimize global fleet efficiency. Meanwhile, Mazen Obaid, VistaJet’s President for the Middle East and a Saudi national, expressed pride in the development, stressing the company’s plans to invest locally and hire national talent.
Impacts and Opportunities
The opening of domestic routes to international players like VistaJet brings multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Competition & Service Quality: Increased options may raise service standards and potentially lower costs.
- Tourism and Connectivity Boost: Luxury air services align with efforts to attract high-value and business travelers.
- Economic Diversification & Job Creation: New entrants support broader Vision 2030 goals for non-oil sector growth.
- Infrastructure Advancement: Collaboration with GACA may pave the way for modernized aviation infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: A Skyward Future for Saudi General Aviation
VistaJet’s approval sets a precedent that may encourage other international operators to enter Saudi Arabia’s private aviation market. With the cabotage ban lifted, the Kingdom is opening doors to greater competition, investment, and innovation.
For travelers, especially high-net-worth individuals, executives, and government officials, this means greater flexibility, exclusivity, and convenience in domestic air travel.
As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious journey to become a global aviation and logistics hub, VistaJet’s domestic entry serves as both a milestone and a catalyst—making luxury travel more accessible and affirming the Kingdom’s evolving role in international aviation.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
