Civil Aviation: Fines of 50,000 riyals for airport security violations
In a decisive regulatory move aimed at enhancing security levels at the Kingdom's airports, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has revealed details of its new regulations for aviation security service providers. The regulations, published on the "Istilaa" platform, include stringent penalties such as fines of up to 50,000 riyals, as well as the revocation of permits in specific cases, to ensure full compliance with the highest safety and security standards.
Context of the strategic transformation in the Saudi aviation sector
These regulatory measures come at a time when the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing an unprecedented historical transformation, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom a global logistics hub and a leading tourist destination, targeting 100 million visitors annually. To achieve these ambitions, airport security is a fundamental and non-negotiable pillar, as strict security protocols enhance the confidence of international airlines and passengers in the infrastructure of Saudi airports.
Details of penalties and serious violations
The regulations stipulate that financial penalties range from one thousand riyals to fifty thousand riyals, depending on the severity of the violation. The authority classified practicing aviation security services without obtaining the required permit, or continuing to operate with an expired permit, as one of the most serious violations, warranting the maximum fine (50,000 riyals). The regulations also emphasized the importance of transparency, imposing fines of up to 10,000 riyals on any entity that obstructs the authority's inspectors from performing their duties or provides misleading information.
Localization of security jobs and guard regulations
In support of localization efforts and enhancing the efficiency of national talent, the regulations paid particular attention to the rules governing the work of security guards. A fine of ten thousand riyals was imposed for employing non-Saudi security guards or security equipment operators, underscoring the Authority's commitment to restricting these sensitive professions to qualified Saudi nationals. Penalties also covered cases of guards neglecting their duties or failing to be present at their assigned posts.
Gradual escalation of penalties leading to the cancellation of the permit
The authority did not limit itself to financial penalties; it also established a mechanism to deter repeat offenders. The regulations stipulate that the fine will be doubled for a second offense, along with a formal undertaking. For a third offense, the authority has the right to permanently revoke the permit. The regulations also specify other grounds for permit revocation, such as transferring company ownership without approval, ceasing operations, or canceling the commercial registration, all to ensure that only serious and compliant companies remain in this vital sector.
Expected impact: A safer and more competitive aviation environment
The strict implementation of these regulations is expected to raise the level of operational discipline among all security service providers at Saudi airports. This, in turn, will positively impact the Kingdom's ranking in international aviation safety indices and enhance the efficiency of operational processes, thus ensuring a safe and seamless travel experience for millions of passengers across the Kingdom's various airports.
