Saudi Arabia Announces Malham Airport in Riyadh to Boost General Aviation Sector

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the allocation of a new airport in Riyadh dedicated exclusively to general aviation operations. The new Malham Airport, situated in the northern area of Malham, approximately 70 kilometers from downtown Riyadh, marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s aviation development strategy.
Covering an area of 140,000 square meters, the airport is designed to accommodate over 25,000 general aviation flights annually. It will cater primarily to private jet owners, business aviation operators, and associated service providers, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s ability to host major international business and entertainment events.
Malham, the chosen site for the airport, is quickly emerging as a focal point for global gatherings, including prominent events like the World Defense Show and the LEAP tech conference. The airport’s development aligns with the vision to transform the area into a world-class destination for high-profile events.
According to GACA, the launch of Malham Airport is a key component of the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to strengthen the general aviation sector by expanding the number of operators, enhancing service quality, localizing aviation maintenance industries, and boosting economic contributions from the sector.
The authority highlighted that Malham Airport will offer a comprehensive, integrated environment tailored for private aviation, further establishing Riyadh as a leading regional and global aviation hub.