Jazeera Airways Awarded KSA Charter Carrier Tender by GACA

Jazeera Airways KSA, a subsidiary of Jazeera Airways, was today awarded a national non-scheduled (charter) air carrier tender by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airline is now authorized to operate both domestic and international charter services from Saudi Arabia. 

This new license aligns closely with Jazeera Airways’ broader strategy to expand aviation programs that strengthen regional and international connectivity, introduce new routes, and enhance the customer experience. Through its charter services, Jazeera Airways will offer improved travel options for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, as well as group and leisure travelers.
Awad Alsulami, Executive Vice President for Economic Policies & Logistics Services at GACA, stated:
“The Aviation Program is opening the charter market to new operators, driving competition and attracting additional investment into the sector. This tender award marks an important step in diversifying our aviation offering and supporting the sector’s broader transformation, while expanding flexible connectivity options that meet the Kingdom’s growing travel needs.”

The tender award also represents a significant milestone in growing aviation capacity across the Kingdom, reinforcing national connectivity and supporting the Saudi Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, in line with Vision 2030 objectives, including the Tourism Strategy and broader economic diversification goals.

Commenting on the announcement, Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways, said: “It is an honor to be awarded the national charter tender by GACA. This recognition reflects the trust placed in Jazeera Airways to expand on its existing contributions to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Charter aviation plays a vital role in advancing tourism, enabling economic diversification, and supporting the development of future talent. As a low-cost airline, we are proud to be part of a platform that will open new opportunities—creating jobs, strengthening connectivity, attracting investment, and delivering reliable, customer-focused travel solutions across the Kingdom.” 

Under GACA’s charter aviation program, and subject to completing the required licensing phases, Jazeera Airways, as a licensed operator, is expected to serve up to 33 destinations, provide approximately 1.4 million seats, operate a fleet of 7 aircraft, and create around 420 direct jobs, delivering meaningful economic and employment impact across Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem. 

Following the tender award, Jazeera Airways will now begin the economic and technical certification processes in coordination with GACA ahead of commencing commercial charter operations.

As Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism sectors continue to expand rapidly, Jazeera Airways remains committed to building long-term partnerships that support national priorities, stimulate economic growth, and deliver safe, efficient, and customer-centric aviation solutions across the Kingdom and the wider region.