Strengthening Civil Aviation Partnership Between the United States and Saudi Arabia

On October 22, 2024, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Transportation Affairs Heidi Gómez and Saudi Executive Vice President of Air Transport and International Cooperation Ali bin Mohammed Rajab signed an important agreement during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This agreement will further expand the U.S.-Saudi Arabia Air Transport Agreement of 2013.

The new Protocol of Amendment will introduce seventh-freedom traffic rights for all-cargo operations. This means that U.S. airlines will be able to transport cargo between Saudi Arabia and other countries without needing to stop in the United States. Saudi Arabian carriers will also have the same rights to serve the United States.

These additional rights will help air carriers meet the needs of their cargo and express delivery customers more efficiently. The agreement will make it easier for goods to move around the world, enhancing the economic and commercial partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Overall, this Amendment marks a significant step in strengthening the civil aviation relationship between the two nations, providing greater flexibility and fostering growth in international trade.