Privatizing airports is among several initiatives suggested in the GACA report on modernizing the Kingdom’s airports.

The Kingdom’s 27 airports will accommodate 100 million travelers by the year 2020, said a report issued by the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA).

Prince Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Saud, GACA president, approved the strategy.

“This strategy coincides with modernization projects witnessed in the field of civil aviation, especially after the Council of Ministers issued a decision that approved the strategy aimed at increasing operational competency,” said Prince Fahd.

The sector has made significant achievements, which includes opening air fields, allowing new air carriers to operate in the Saudi market, developing and establishing regional airports and launching privatization programs in the civil aviation sector, he said.

“We aim to increase the productive competency of the sector and strengthen the Kingdom’s standing in the international civil aviation arena,” he said.

The report highlights major civil aviation initiatives, such as increasing passenger seating capacity, developing and establishing airports throughout the Kingdom, coming up with programs to transform regional airports into international operations, privatizing airports and the civil aviation sector and strengthening competition in land services, such as cargo handling.

The report also suggests creating programs aimed at strengthening competition in air catering and air cargo and consumer protection programs for air travelers.

 
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