The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a bilateral air transport services agreement with the Government of Pakistan, marking a significant step in strengthening aviation ties between the two nations.
The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh by GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej and Pakistan’s Secretary of Defense, Muhammad Ali, who represented the Government of Pakistan.
According to the reports, the deal aims to enhance cooperation in civil aviation, expand air connectivity, and facilitate greater movement of passengers and cargo between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
It also reflects both countries’ shared commitment to advancing economic and strategic partnerships through improved air transport infrastructure.
Furthermore, the agreement aims to bolster cooperation in air transport services based on mutual benefit and respect, in accordance with applicable regulations, laws, and procedures. It seeks to update the regulatory framework governing air traffic between the two countries, contribute to the objectives of the Aviation Program aimed at building international partnerships, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s global civil aviation relations.
As per the statement, the agreement ensures the conduct of regular, safe, and reliable air operations, aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in line with advancements in the civil aviation sector.
In August 2023, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on air transport services, aimed at expanding flights and cargo capacity, especially for religious visitors.
The initiative formed part of Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation strategy to increase global connectivity, targeting 250 destinations, 330 million passengers, and 4.5 million tons of annual air cargo capacity by 2030.
