In a decisive move to fortify national aviation security and align with global regulatory frameworks, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued comprehensive updates regarding the transport and usage of power banks aboard commercial aircraft. Reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the new circular mandates strict compliance from all airlines operating across the Kingdom’s airports.

Executive Summary

• Stricter In-Flight Rules: Passengers are completely prohibited from recharging power banks during flights, and using them to charge personal devices is highly discouraged.
• Cabin Restrictions: Travelers are limited to a maximum of two power banks, which must be stored exclusively within carry-on baggage.
• Heightened Enforcement: The regulatory update follows a year of aggressive oversight, with GACA issuing over SR13.8 million ($3.6 million) in civil aviation penalties.

Aligning with Global ICAO Benchmarks

The revised directives seamlessly adopt the latest amendments from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. By enforcing these restrictions, GACA aims to mitigate the inherent thermal runaway risks associated with lithium-ion battery devices within aircraft cabins.

Under the new framework, the dual-device limit and the strict prohibition of power banks in checked luggage ensure that cabin crew can rapidly respond to any potential battery malfunctions. This proactive stance reflects GACA’s broader strategic mandate to elevate the Kingdom’s aviation sector to world-class safety and operational benchmarks.

Aggressive Enforcement and Regulatory Compliance

This policy update comes on the heels of a massive regulatory crackdown by GACA. The authority disclosed that it recorded 609 structural violations, translating to financial penalties exceeding SR13.8 million ($3.6 million) leveled against non-compliant air carriers, aviation companies, and individuals.

The breakdown of these enforcement actions underscores GACA’s zero-tolerance approach to operational negligence:

• Air Carrier Non-Compliance: 404 violations were logged for failing to adhere to direct GACA instructions, resulting in fines topping SR6.7 million.
• Passenger Rights Violations: 136 infractions involved breaches of passenger protection regulations, drawing over SR5 million in penalties.
• Other Misconduct: The remaining fines targeted unauthorized drone operators, passenger misconduct, safety protocol breaches, and the provision of falsified licensing data.

Vision 2030 and the Future of Saudi Air Transport

As Saudi Arabia rapidly transforms into a global logistics and aviation hub under Vision 2030, maintaining unyielding regulatory standards is critical. GACA’s stringent enforcement strategy is designed to build absolute trust among international business travelers, boost the passenger experience, and cement the Kingdom’s position as the premier, safest transit corridor connecting East and West.

This proactive stance reflects GACA’s broader strategic mandate to elevate the Kingdom’s Saudi aviation safety sector to world-class safety and operational benchmarks.