JEDDAH: Malta-based VistaJet is set to become the first foreign private jet operator allowed to fly domestic routes in Saudi Arabia, after regulators lifted cabotage restrictions to liberalize the Kingdom’s skies.
VistaJet’s approval comes less than four months after Saudi regulators, on May 1, scrapped rules that had barred international charter operators from offering domestic services — a move aimed at stimulating competition, improving service quality, and expanding the private aviation segment.
The decision, announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, marks a major step in liberalizing Saudi Arabia’s general aviation market as the Kingdom works to attract global investment and boost competitiveness under its Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
Awad Al-Sulami, executive vice president for economic policies and logistics services at GACA, said: “Authorizing VistaJet as the first international private jet operator for domestic operations in the Kingdom is a milestone in enhancing the general aviation market in Saudi Arabia.”
He added: “This step will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and raise the quality of services for private aviation customers in the Kingdom and across the region.”
VistaJet, which operates under a Maltese air operator certificate and is part of Dubai-headquartered Vista Global Holding, welcomed the decision as a breakthrough for the sector.
“We are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure,” said Mazen Obaid, president — Middle East at Vista.
He added: “As a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together. We very much look forward to hiring many local experts and investing locally.”
The move supports GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as the Middle East’s top aviation hub by 2030 and a global logistics connector between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
