FlexJet authorised for private jet operations in Saudi Arabia

Luxury private jet company FlexJet has received the authorisation to carry out foreign jet operations in Saudi Arabia from its regulator the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

This authorisation is only second of its kind for a private jet operator in the country. VistaJet was authorised as a foreign jet operator in August 2025.

The announcement, shared by the GACA on social media platform X, said the move comes following the removal of domestic cabotage restrictions for on-demand charter effective from May 2025.

GACA said the move will help boost competitiveness, attract foreign investment, provide greater flexibility for general aviation operators and enhance service quality in the Kingdom.

The authority said the step was in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Earlier in February of this year, GACA said it was opening domestic private aviation market to international operators by doing away the cabotage restrictions for foreign on-demand charter flights within the Kingdom.

In addition to the removal of cabotage, the Kingdom’s aviation authority also announced a national General Aviation Sector Development committee to enhance the country’s proposition as a general aviation hub, including international private aviation investors, operators, and service providers.

The committee will engage on infrastructure planning and regulatory processes, to enhance the Kingdom’s general aviation sector value proposition.

The country has seen significant interest since these changes as it moves to attract foreign visitors for tourism, entertainment and events.

According to some estimates, Flexjet operates a fleet of 340 aircraft with majority of them being Embraer’s Legacy and Praetor variants. The company also operates Bombardier Challengers and Gulfstream G700.