New aviation security regulations: Localization and mandatory training for airport security guards

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the aviation safety system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has introduced new regulations for granting licenses to operate aviation security services at airports. This step establishes stringent requirements, including full Saudization, intensive training, and direct coordination with relevant security authorities, to address any regulatory gaps that could affect the efficiency of operational processes.

Strategic context: Aviation security and Vision 2030

These regulatory moves cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom's aviation sector within the framework of Vision 2030. With the launch of the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to reach 330 million passengers annually and connect the Kingdom to more than 250 international destinations, raising security standards has become an urgent necessity, not a supplementary option. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is working to ensure that airport security infrastructure is capable of accommodating this massive growth in travel, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

Localization requirements and mandatory training

The new regulations mandate that security companies employ 100% Saudi nationals, requiring them to hire highly qualified Saudi personnel. The authority went further, mandating that these employees undergo accredited training programs in accordance with the "National Program for Civil Aviation Security." The regulations also emphasized the conduct and security aspects of employees, requiring those not covered by direct professional licenses to obtain the necessary professional licenses or provide certificates of good conduct (clean criminal record) to ensure the reliability of personnel working in these sensitive areas.

Integration with industrial security and scope of work

To ensure consistency in standards, the regulations stipulate that working in this sector requires prior licensing from the "Higher Commission for Industrial Security" as a private civilian security company or establishment. The regulations also precisely define the responsibilities of service providers, including:

• Guarding the facilities of airlines, banks, and duty-free shops inside airports.
• Monitoring travel check-in platforms to ensure smooth and secure movement.
• Field security monitoring of aircraft parking areas.
• Inspection of passengers and luggage according to the highest approved international standards.

Financial oversight and compliance

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted itself broad regulatory powers to ensure compliance, including the right to summon company representatives, verify data, and refuse to grant or renew permits if any security or safety requirements are detected. On the procedural side, the regulations stipulate permit validity periods ranging from one to five years, with fees based on airport classification and permit duration. Renewal applications must be submitted 90 days before expiry to avoid suspension of operations, reflecting GACA's commitment to regulating the market and improving the quality of services provided.