Source: General Authority of
Civil Aviation, KSA. Global
policy, launched at the Future
Aviation Forum, will eliminate
difficulties in international
travel.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia has introduced the Harmonising Air Travel policy. This framework aims to simplify international travel and enhance the passenger experience by addressing the confusion surrounding varying travel requirements that currently discourage many from booking flights.
Developed collaboratively with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), this proposed framework aims to create a single, accessible, and regularly updated online platform outlining entry requirements for all participating nations. This initiative seeks to eliminate travel confusion for passengers, airlines, and governments alike.
This policy will be presented at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) General Assembly in October of this year, with the goal of gaining approval from member states.
HE Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Duailej, President of GACA, remarked: “The pandemic highlighted the true extent of global disconnect. Our studies indicate that a significant number of individuals opted not to travel in 2021 – and will continue to forgo travel in 2022 – due to the complexities of navigating health requirements across different countries.”
“We are pleased to introduce the Harmonising Air Travel policy, a proposed structure designed to unify and bolster our industry by better equipping it to navigate future health emergencies.
“Aviation serves as the backbone of the global economy, making it essential to safeguard its stability against potential disruptions. The Harmonising Air Travel policy framework showcases Saudi Arabia’s leadership in ensuring the sector’s continued success in the coming years.”
Recent research by YouGov indicates that 47% of Gulf residents cite apprehension about unclear health requirements as a deterrent to travel in 2022.
The policy seeks to establish a unified international reporting system for health crises. This system will leverage tailored digital communication tools, robust governance, efficient coordination procedures, and a structure that promotes widespread compliance, exemplified by a globally recognized digital health certificate. Consequently, travelers will have access to transparent guidelines and requirements for their journeys. This standardized platform will have the capability to integrate all existing international aviation and government-to-government communication systems related to health emergencies.
The Harmonising Air Travel policy white paper was unveiled at the inaugural Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh. This forum, hosted by GACA, brought together international leaders, aviation executives, and regulators to develop solutions for the sector’s most pressing concerns, such as passenger experience, sustainability, and post-COVID recovery. KSA has set its sights on becoming the leading aviation hub in the Middle East. Its transportation and logistics industry, a cornerstone of the Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, is undergoing rapid modernization. The kingdom aims to attract SR 356 billion in investments for its aviation sector by 2030.