JEDDAH: General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is studying privatization of all Saudi airports in the next five years.

Confirming this, a GACA official stated at the ongoing Jeddah Economic Forum that the Kingdom has a total of 27 airports. These include 5 international, 10 regional and 12 local airports.

The privatization plan of Saudi airports comes as part of the Kingdom’s National Transformation Project, which was revealed by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

The project will be implemented in coordination with government authorities to set a strategic plan to increase national economic output and launch a series of economic regulations soon. This year’s JEF reflects Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s vision for realizing national transformation.

Faisal bin Sugair, chairman of Saudi Civil Aviation Holding Company and GACA adviser, said the Saudi airports have been developed in such a way as to host passengers in their increasing numbers and provide them best services.

He added that the privatization process will be initiated during the current year. At the same time, he called on the private sector to give its feedback about the privatization process.

Regarding the terrorist attempt to bomb Saudi Arabian Airlines’ plane at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which was foiled by Philippine authorities, Sugair told Arab News: "We always review all security procedures to ensure the safety to our flights. At the same time, we deal seriously with all security threats in updating protection plans to our airports and flights."

In another development, Jamal Al-Hai, deputy CEO of Dubai Airport and member of the UAE Federal National Council, said: Dubai Transportation Authority plans to establish a new airport.

He told Arab News: “The new airport will be the third one in Dubai with a capacity for 240,000 passengers. It is important to create new airports in Dubai to meet with high number of local and international airline companies. We deal with 140 international airline companies. We hope to keep Dubai as international air transportation capital city.”