Saudi Arabia mulls open skies policy during Hajj season

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has agreed with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) on a joint work plan to study adoption of open-skies policy during Umrah and Hajj seasons, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Under the joint program, GACA will study the possibility of pursuing the open-skies policy to meet growing demand of Umrah and Hajj performers and introduce a new air transport market across the Kingdom.

“The partnership facilitates air transport movement to and from the Kingdom for Umrah and Hajj performers,” Mohammad Saleh Benten, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, said.

Additionally, GACA will launch various initiatives to develop a new air transport market for the private sector during these seasons, Abdulhakim Al Tamimi, president of GACA, further noted.

“GACA is also aiming to develop the Saudi airports' infrastructure to accommodate an expected increase in the number of pilgrims,” he added.