In a landmark move that signals a bold shift for private aviation in Saudi Arabia, FlexJet has been officially authorized to operate on‑demand domestic flights inside the Kingdom. The decision, announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), marks a new era — one where international private jet operators can serve domestic travellers between Saudi cities, offering unprecedented flexibility and luxury.
A Historic Approval under a New Regime
The approval of FlexJet comes after Saudi regulators removed long-standing restrictions on domestic flights by foreign-registered private jets. Under the updated regulations, effective from May 1, 2025, international private aircraft operators can apply for permission to conduct charter flights within Saudi Arabia — a major liberalization of the aviation sector.
On December 2, 2025, during a formal ceremony in Riyadh, GACA’s Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Services, Awad bin Attallah Al-Sulami, presented FlexJet’s official certificate to the company’s EMEA Chief Operating Officer, Ben Watts. With that, FlexJet became the second foreign private aviation firm after VistaJet to gain this domestic‑flight clearance.
GACA said the approval reflects the Kingdom’s larger strategy under its national aviation roadmap: to boost private aviation, attract international investment, and elevate service standards across the sector.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Until recently, foreign-registered jets could not legally fly passengers between Saudi cities. This restriction — known as cabotage was a major barrier to the growth of business and private aviation.
By removing these restrictions, Saudi Arabia opens up its domestic skies to global operators, paving the way for improved connectivity, new investment, and a boom in private aviation services. Industry experts have called this shift a “game changer,” especially given rising demand for corporate travel, tourism and luxury mobility.
This move also aligns with the larger economic and development blueprint of the country often referred to as Vision 2030 which aims to diversify the economy, modernize infrastructure, and position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics and travel hub.
How FlexJet Met the Bar
To earn its license, FlexJet had to satisfy everyone’s safety, regulatory and operational requirements under Saudi civil aviation law. The regulator emphasized that only operators adhering to the highest international standards would be allowed.
The certificate indicates that FlexJet is now cleared to conduct on-demand private jet flights between Saudi cities offering flexibility for wealthy travellers, business executives, and anyone looking for luxury travel options within the Kingdom.
What This Means for Saudi’s Aviation and Luxury Travel
A Surge in Private Aviation Demand
Analysts expect the demand for private jet travel within Saudi Arabia to rise significantly. With more global operators entering the local market, travellers now have more options than ever — whether for business, leisure, or VIP travel. The service-level expectations are high, pushing for improved infrastructure, better ground handling, and expanded terminal facilities.
Boost to Business, Tourism & Commerce
Greater flexibility and convenience of private flights can support business travelers, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. It may also attract more tourists, expatriates, and global investors — especially those willing to travel in style and privacy.
With more operators and improved competition, private aviation in Saudi Arabia could become a significant contributor to the economy, aligning well with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.
Growing Infrastructure & Investment
The authorization of foreign operators like FlexJet hints at further investments into airports, lounges, maintenance facilities, and support services (ground handling, catering, MROs, etc.). Over time, this can transform the aviation ecosystem offering more jobs and better infrastructure across the Kingdom.
FlexJet’s Journey: From International Player to Saudi Domestic Operator
FlexJet has long been recognized globally for its private jet services. With this new authorization, the company is now expanding its footprint significantly within Saudi Arabia. For a luxury aviation company, this is not just a license — it’s an opportunity to reshape private air travel inside one of the fastest-changing aviation markets in the Middle East.
For FlexJet, being among the first foreign operators to enter the domestic charter business in Saudi gives them an early-mover advantage. They can now serve local high-end clientele, multinational travelers, and elite customers — offering seamless, on-demand flights between key Saudi cities.
While the company has not yet publicly detailed its operational plans (which cities will be first, what jets will be used, pricing, schedule, memberships), the authorization itself sets the stage.
The Bigger Picture: Saudi’s Aviation Transformation Under Vision 2030
The approval of FlexJet is emblematic of a larger renaissance in Saudi aviation.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation’s decision to lift cabotage restrictions effective May 2025 opened the door for foreign-registered aircraft to operate within Saudi airspace. This regulatory pivot is seen as a cornerstone of modernizing aviation infrastructure and unlocking new business potential.
According to GACA’s roadmap, the aim is to build a robust general aviation industry by 2030, supported by dedicated business‑aviation airports, terminals, and increased support services (FBOs, MROs, catering, ground handling, etc.).
Already, private jet traffic in Saudi has seen a noticeable rise. As of 2024, the business jet sector recorded a 24% jump in flight volumes, including a 26% increase in domestic jet charter flights.
With this momentum, the industry seems poised for robust growth and companies like FlexJet are well-positioned to ride that wave.
What’s Next: What to Watch For
- Route Launches: We might soon see FlexJet announcing domestic routes — e.g., between major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, NEOM and other emerging urban hubs in Saudi.
- Fleet Deployment: The type of aircraft FlexJet uses (light‑, mid‑, or long‑range jets) will affect which routes it can serve, pick‑up times, and pricing.
- Membership / Charter Models: FlexJet might introduce membership-based or charter‑hour packages for Saudi clients — similar to global models — which could appeal to frequent travelers.
- Aviation‑Support Ecosystem Growth: Airports, maintenance, ground services, and FBO infrastructure will need expansion to support increasing private jet traffic.
- Market Competition: With more operators entering (like VistaJet and now FlexJet), competition will rise, potentially improving service quality, availability, and pricing over time.
Inspiring Change: What FlexJet’s Success Means for Aspirants
Beyond business and aviation statistics, this shift has powerful symbolic value. When a global private‑jet operator earns full domestic approval in Saudi — a nation undergoing rapid transformation — it signals opportunity.
For entrepreneurs, aviation professionals, service‑industry vendors, and luxury-travel planners, it’s a sign that Saudi is opening up — not just to global air travel, but to new business models, higher standards, and elevated experiences.
FlexJet’s journey from international operator to a Saudi‑approved domestic service provider can inspire many to believe in adaptability, compliance, and seizing new regulatory openings.
It shows that with readiness, adherence to standards, and patience, global companies can plug into emerging markets — and potentially shape new travel and business norms.
Conclusion
The authorization of FlexJet by GACA to operate domestic private‑jet flights in Saudi Arabia is more than just another aviation license. It represents a shift in opportunity — for luxury travel, business connectivity, regional growth, and economic transformation under Vision 2030.
As FlexJet prepares to spread its wings across the Kingdom’s skies, Saudi Arabia moves one step closer to becoming a global hub for private aviation — with flexibility, luxury, and world‑class service.
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