GACA wants open skies for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) presented a proposal to open the country's skies and allow new carriers to operate domestic services (Arab News, 02-Aug-2011). GACA spokesperson Khaled Al-Khaibary stated the organisation has received applications from Gulf and Saudi companies for operating licences in the domestic sector and that it wants to "open up the Kingdom's domestic air transport market to find feasible solutions for current problems". Such problems include restrictions on travellers and difficulty in obtaining international bookings. Mr Al-Khaibary stated the arrival of foreign carriers in Saudi Arabia would create job opportunities for Saudis and increase competition, resulting in lower airfares. GACA is awaiting a decision from the Supreme Economic Council.