Saudi aviation watchdog issues $3.7m in penalties in 2025

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued financial penalties exceeding SAR13.8 million (US$3.7 million) during 2025, following a wide-ranging enforcement campaign targeting violations of civil aviation laws, regulations and regulatory instructions across the Kingdom.

In its annual report, released by the committee responsible for reviewing breaches of the Civil Aviation Law, GACA said it recorded a total of 609 violations involving air carriers, licensed companies and individuals. The penalties were imposed for breaches of the law, its executive regulations and instructions issued by the authority.

Saudi regulator cracks down on breaches

Air carriers accounted for the largest share of violations. GACA said 404 violations were issued against airlines for failing to comply with instructions issued by the regulator, resulting in fines totalling more than SAR6.7 million. In addition, seven violations of executive regulations and instructions were recorded, with fines amounting to SAR525,000.

Passenger rights enforcement was another major focus during the year. The report showed that 136 violations were issued against air carriers for non-compliance with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations, leading to fines exceeding SAR5 million. GACA said these measures are part of its efforts to strengthen compliance with passenger protection rules and improve service standards across the aviation sector.

Licensed companies were also subject to enforcement action. Sixteen violations were issued against licensed firms for failing to comply with executive regulations, instructions and controls issued by GACA, resulting in fines of more than SAR1.1 million. In addition, three violations were recorded against companies operating unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) without authorisation, with fines totalling SAR30,000.

Individuals accounted for 43 violations during the year. These included four cases of operating drones without GACA authorisation, which resulted in fines of SAR9,500, and 37 violations issued against airline passengers for misconduct on board aircraft, with fines totalling SAR26,900.

The report also highlighted individual cases involving more serious breaches. One violation was issued for breaching the Executive Regulation for Aviation Safety, carrying a fine of SAR300,000. Another individual was fined SAR10,000 for providing false information when applying to renew an aviation licence.

GACA said the enforcement actions underline its commitment to transparency and its regulatory and oversight role within the aviation sector. The authority added that the measures are intended to enhance compliance, strengthen passenger protection and improve the overall quality and safety of air transport services across Saudi Arabia.