Business Aviation in Saudi Arabia: A Booming Market | IBC Aviation

A market growing at record pace

In 2024, the Kingdom recorded 23,612 business-aviation flights, a record, up 24% year on year, according to MEBAA (the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association) and the Saudi authority GACA. Domestic flights rose 26% and international flights 15%. By airport, Jeddah was up 30% and Riyadh up 22%.

The momentum continued in 2025: over the first ten months, business-aircraft departures rose 20.9% according to an Airbus Corporate Jets analysis. Against this backdrop, the civil aviation authority has set a target of growing the general-aviation sector into a USD 2 billion industry by 2030.

Vision 2030, the engine of demand

The Kingdom's economic transformation plan is multiplying large-scale tourism and business projects, each a generator of private traffic:

• The Red Sea (Red Sea Global): a high-end coastal destination targeting around fifty hotels and roughly 8,000 rooms by 2030, several of them already open.
• NEOM: a new region under construction in the north-west, served by NEOM Bay Airport.
• AlUla: a heritage landmark (the listed site of Hegra, the Maraya hall, the Winter at Tantora festival).
• Qiddiya and Diriyah Gate: leisure, sport and culture hubs on the edge of Riyadh.

Skies opening to foreign operators

The most structural change for a broker is regulatory. On 1 May 2025, GACA opened the domestic market to international on-demand operators, ending the rule that reserved flights between two Saudi points for local operators only. In August 2025, VistaJet became the first foreign operator cleared for domestic flights; Air Charter Service opened a Riyadh office in September 2025. The market is becoming more accessible to international players.

Riyadh and Jeddah: the gateways

Today, the capital is served by King Khalid International Airport (RUH), home to several business-aviation terminals (Saudia Private Aviation, Jet Aviation, ExecuJet). Its facilities are set to be absorbed into the future King Salman International Airport, whose works began in September 2025 and which targets very substantial capacity over time. To the west, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED) remains the gateway for the pilgrimage and the Red Sea region, complemented since 2023 by Red Sea International Airport. To arrange a flight to or from the capital, see our private jet charter in Riyadh page.

Pilgrimage and major events

The pilgrimage remains a unique driver: Hajj 2025 drew 1,673,230 pilgrims, around 86% of whom arrived by air, according to the official statistics authority GASTAT, while the Umrah season exceeds 18 million visitors. To this is added a thickening calendar of events: the Jeddah Formula 1 Grand Prix (April 2026), Riyadh Season, the AFC Asian Cup (7 January-5 February 2027), the Riyadh World Expo (1 October 2030-31 March 2031) and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, awarded to the Kingdom. These are demand peaks that are planned well ahead.

IBC Aviation to or from Saudi Arabia

IBC Aviation is established in the Gulf, in Dubai and with a base in Fujairah (read IBC Aviation landed in Fujairah), a few flight hours from the Kingdom. From Europe, a Paris or Geneva to Riyadh connection is flown non-stop in around six hours, aboard a long-range aircraft such as a Falcon 7X, a Falcon 8X or a Global.

Whether your trip is professional, sporting or cultural, our teams arrange the flight, the choice of airport, ground operations and, through our concierge service, accommodation. To charter a private jet to or from Saudi Arabia, they provide a personalised, all-inclusive quote within the hour. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

Which airport for a private jet in Riyadh?

The capital is served by King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and its business-aviation terminals. Its facilities are set to join the future King Salman International Airport over time.

How long is a Paris-Riyadh private jet flight?

Allow around six hours non-stop aboard a long-range aircraft. From Geneva, the duration is comparable.

Which private jet to reach Saudi Arabia from Europe?

A Europe-Saudi Arabia link is flown non-stop with a long-range aircraft such as a Falcon 7X, Falcon 8X or Global. Our teams match the choice to the number of passengers and the itinerary.

Can a foreign operator fly domestic routes in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Since 1 May 2025, GACA has opened the domestic market to international on-demand operators, which makes it easier to arrange connections within the Kingdom.

Which major events drive demand in Saudi Arabia?

The Jeddah Grand Prix, Riyadh Season, the 2027 Asian Cup, Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup are among the major fixtures, alongside the pilgrimage. These periods should be booked in advance.