Article 29 of the Saudi Civil Aviation Law
المادة 29 من نظام الطيران المدني · الفصل الثاني: الترخيص لشركات الطيران وتشغيلها
Ground handling work for aircraft at the Kingdom's civil airports requires a license from the Authority, which is issued to foreign air transport companies only on a reciprocity basis.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يجوز القيام بأعمال الخدمات الأرضية للطائرات في المطارات المدنية للمملكة إلا بعد الحصول على ترخيص بذلك من الهيئة، ولا يتم إصدار هذا الترخيص لمؤسسات أو شركات النقل الجوي الأجنبية إلا بناء على مبدأ المعاملة بالمثل.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 29 explained in plain English
Ground handling for aircraft means the work provided to an aircraft on the ground at an airport. This article regulates carrying it out at the Kingdom's civil airports through two provisions:
- A license is required: ground handling work for aircraft may not be carried out except after obtaining a license from the Authority. The provision is general and covers anyone who wants to provide these services.
- Foreign companies: this license is issued to foreign air transport companies and establishments only on the basis of the principle of reciprocity.
The article does not state the conditions of the license or the types of ground handling meant, so refer to what the Authority and the Implementing Regulations set.
The principle of reciprocity recurs in this part of the law; it appeared earlier in Article 28 for the offices and representation of foreign companies. Its aim is that foreign companies are treated in the Kingdom to the extent that Saudi companies are treated in their states.
It is followed by Article 30, which requires carriers, cargo and ground handling companies to provide the information and data the Authority requests. Anyone who wants to enter this activity can consult a lawyer specializing in commercial cases.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 29 of the Saudi Civil Aviation Law
Does ground handling at airports need a license?
Yes. Ground handling work for aircraft at civil airports may not be carried out without a license from the Authority.
Can a foreign airline provide ground services in Saudi Arabia?
The license is issued to it only on the basis of the principle of reciprocity.
More articles on Licensing Airlines and Air Routes
- Article 16
The Authority regulates, monitors and develops the air transport sector and applies its policies, with powers including negotiating agreements, issuing and suspending licenses, setting fees, approving tariffs and inspecting carriers.
تقوم الهيئة بتنظيم قطاع النقل الجوي ومراقبته وتطويره وتنشيطه وتطبيق السياسات العامة للنقل الجوي في المملكة، ولها في سبيل ذلك القيام بممارسة الاختصاصات الآتية: 1
- Article 24
A national company or establishment for commercial air transport or aerial work may not be set up without an air operator license and the Authority's approval, without prejudice to the Companies Law.
مع عدم الإخلال بأحكام نظام الشركات والأنظمة ذات العلاقة؛ لا يجوز إنشاء شركة أو مؤسسة وطنية لممارسة نشاط النقل الجوي التجاري أو الأشغال الجوية داخل المملكة وخارج
- Article 25
National air transport companies may not operate any air route or new aircraft type without the Authority's approval; the Implementing Regulations set the conditions for approval.
يجب على شركات ومؤسسات النقل الجوي الوطنية عدم تشغيل أي خط جوي أو طراز جديد من الطائرات إلا بعد الحصول على موافقة الهيئة، وتحدد اللائحة شروط الحصول على هذه الموا
- Article 26
National and foreign air transport companies must obtain the Authority's prior approval before establishing, amending or canceling any air route, or changing the number of their flights to, from or within the Kingdom.
على شركات ومؤسسات النقل الجوي الوطنية والأجنبية قبل إنشاء أو تعديل أو إلغاء أي خط من خطوطها الجوية أو تعديل عدد رحلاتها التي تقوم بتشغيلها من المملكة وإليها أو
- Article 27
National airlines may not make operating or joint investment agreements with foreign airlines except under the Implementing Regulations; the Authority may accept or reject them with reasons within 30 days on limited grounds.
1- مع مراعاة أحكام المادة (العشرين) من هذا النظام؛ لا يجوز لمؤسسات أو شركات النقل الجوي الوطنية عقد اتفاقيات أو ترتيبات بينها وبين شركات ومؤسسات النقل الجوي الأ
- Article 28
A foreign airline may not open an office or representation in the Kingdom without the Authority's license on a reciprocity basis, and may assign its representation or agency only to a licensed Saudi company or agency approved by the Authority.
1- لا يجوز لأي مؤسسة أو شركة نقل جوي أو طيران أجنبية فتح مكتب أو تمثيل لها في المملكة إلا بعد الحصول على الترخيص اللازم من الهيئة وفقا لمبدأ المعاملة بالمثل. 2-
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.