Universal Aviation to operate KSA’s first private aviation hangars
FBO and ground handling services company Universal Aviation announced that it has entered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia market with plans to begin operations at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (OERK) by early 2026.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic and high-growth markets in the world, and we see it as essential to the future of business aviation,” said Greg Evans, chairman, Universal. “Universal Aviation is committed to building something enduring here. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam will not only serve as entry points to the Kingdom, but as global benchmarks for service excellence in executive aviation.”
The company has been awarded concession to manage facilities and provide full ground handling services at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (OEJN) and Dammam King Fahd International Airport (OEDF).
The contract was awarded by Matarat Holding, the state-owned holding company that owns and operates airports within the Kingdom.
With this contract, Universal will become sole general aviation services provider in Dammam, while in Jeddah it will operate as one of three approved providers, taking over an existing private aviation terminal.
Moreover, the contract also includes operation and management of private aviation hangars at both Jeddah and Dammam. This will be the first time hangars dedicated for private aviation time will be operated in Saudi Arabia.
“Operators flying into the Kingdom have told us consistently that while facilities are improving, the service experience still needs to be elevated to match what they receive elsewhere,” said John Hewett, regional vice president, EMEA, Universal Aviation.
Universal said it will feature modern VIP lounges, expedited CIQ facilitation, and a full suite of concierge and ground services across all three locations.
The new operations will be led by Hayel Altashkandi, general manager, Universal Aviation Saudi Arabia, supported by a dedicated Saudi team.
With 50+ locations across 30+ countries, Universal Aviation is one of the world’s largest and most awarded FBO networks.
Universal Aviation’s entry into Saudi Arabia comes at a time of growth in the country’s general aviation sector, driven by giga-projects and the national Vision 2030 strategy. While infrastructure has expanded, service standards for business aviation on the ground have not yet reached the level that international operators expect.
“This is a long-term investment for Universal,” states Altashkandi, general manager, Universal Aviation Saudi Arabia. “Our goal is to raise the standard of private aviation services in the Kingdom by combining Universal’s global experience with the passion and hospitality of our Saudi team. We are committed to training and empowering Saudi talent to be the next generation of leaders in this sector.”
