VistaJet Is Authorized To Fly Domestically In Saudi Arabia

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia has granted business jet operator VistaJet the approval to conduct domestic flights within the kingdom, making it the first international private jet operator permitted to do so.

This follows GACA’s removal of domestic restrictions for on-demand charter operations, which came into effect on May 1, 2025, as it seeks to liberalize and encourage the kingdom’s business aviation market.

“Authorizing VistaJet as the first international private jet operator for domestic operations in the kingdom is a milestone in enhancing the general aviation market in Saudi Arabia,” says Awad Alsulami, executive vice president for economic policies and logistics services at GACA.

“This step will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and raise the quality of services for private aviation customers in the Kingdom and across the region,” Alsulami says.

This move is part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision to boost aviation and tourism.

GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap is guiding this transformation by aligning infrastructure development, regulation, and investment opportunities to create a more dynamic and globally competitive general aviation sector, while also strengthening the kingdom’s offering of luxury travel and high-value tourism segments.

“By expanding our domestic capabilities, we are not only strengthening our regional presence, but also amplifying the efficiency of our global fleet,” VistaJet Chief Operating Officer Nick van der Meer says.

VistaJet, which was founded in 2004, and has a significant operation out of Dubai, operates a large and diverse fleet, including Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, and Gulfstream jets.

VistaJet already operates the Global 7500 aircraft and intends to operate the ultra-long-range Global 8000, which is scheduled to enter service later this year.