Arab News

RIYADH: In a bid to smooth the process of international air travel, Saudi Arabia has announced a new global air travel policy at the inaugural Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh on May 9.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation, also known as GACA developed this policy, tentatively named Harmonizing Air Travel policy in cooperation with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization, also known as ICAO.

The new policy will be formally presented at the 41st ICAO General Assembly later in 2022 to receive approval from member states.

The new framework is expected to make international journeys simpler, by avoiding the confusion over travel requirements currently discouraging millions of people from booking flights.

A recent study by YouGov also found that confusion over health requirements is discouraging a significant number of people from traveling abroad.

“Aviation is the lifeblood of the global economy, and it is crucial to safeguard it from future disruption. The Harmonizing Air Travel policy framework demonstrates the leadership role Saudi Arabia is taking to ensure that the sector thrives in the years to come,” said GACA president Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.