GACA Drone Cargo Regulations: City BVLOS Explained

Saudi Arabia’s push toward scalable drone logistics is increasingly tied to how the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) structures approvals, airspace access, and operator compliance. Market research press releases describe GACA combining a Part 107 style approach with Advisory Circulars that cover BVLOS operations, flights at night, and operations over people, alongside a national investment initiative aimed at making it easier for companies to fly legally and at scale. In mid-2025, GACA also released dedicated commercial drone delivery guidelines, which multiple sources frame as a milestone for logistics operations that can expand beyond isolated pilots into repeatable services.

The shift from pilots to commercial service depends on both rules and real activity on the ground. One source states the Kingdom has undertaken its first pilot drone deliveries with government support, with a plan to expand service to other major cities as demand for e-commerce deliveries continues to grow. Regulatory readiness is being matched by operator activity. In January 2025, Matternet received GACA approval to operate its M2 drone, described as the first time a drone delivery operator secured such approval in the Kingdom. In February 2025, Skyports Drone Services announced entry into Saudi Arabia via a partnership with iot squared, targeting BVLOS drone services across major giga-projects.

What Changes in Rules Mean for Urban BVLOS Cargo

Several updates point to a more structured path for routine urban BVLOS delivery. A February 2026 market update says GACA released Part 107 Version 5 regulations that introduced risk-based categories and network Remote ID, and it characterizes these changes as dramatically speeding up approvals for commercial drone operations. Other sources describe GACA’s regulatory scope more broadly, including registration, flight permits, and designated flying zones, plus certification requirements, operational guidelines, and airspace management systems. A June 2026 summary of a Saudi drone market report also highlights a practical compliance roadmap: drone registration processes, commercial operator approvals, remote pilot licensing, operating zones, altitude restrictions, and airspace safety rules, with an eye toward future policy changes around BVLOS, autonomous operations, and urban drone deployment.

Testing and corridors are also part of the commercialization story. One source says drone corridors and sandbox zones for BVLOS testing are being developed in Riyadh. It also states that compliance costs for operators are expected to exceed SAR 250 million annually, signaling a serious regulatory and operational commitment. In March 2026, Skyports and iot squared launched BVLOS drone delivery trials using advanced AI navigation, positioned to transform logistics across major Saudi cities and giga-projects. In parallel, a February 2026 note says Terra Drone Arabia expanded AI-powered inspections with Aramco and achieved 40 to 50 percent cost savings while enhancing safety standards, a data point that adds context for why industrial users may fund advanced operations and supporting infrastructure.

Regional adoption and investment context helps explain why Saudi cities are a focus for cargo use cases. A GCC market report forecasts growth from USD 2.07 billion in 2025 to USD 2.32 billion in 2026 and USD 4.12 billion by 2031, and it states Saudi Arabia held a 34.12% share in 2025. The same report highlights challenges that can slow rollout, including fragmented airspace approvals and a shortage of certified pilots, which aligns with the emphasis on standardized approvals and licensing pathways. Against that backdrop, GACA drone cargo regulations are increasingly about making BVLOS delivery predictable in complex city airspace, not just possible in isolated trials.

What do GACA’s drone cargo regulations focus on for commercial operations?

Sources describe GACA rules covering registration, flight permits, designated flying zones, certification requirements, and airspace management. They also reference Advisory Circulars on BVLOS, night flights, and operations over people, plus a February 2026 update adding risk-based categories and network Remote ID to speed approvals.

Has Saudi Arabia already approved drone delivery operators under GACA?

Yes. One source states Matternet received GACA approval to operate its M2 drone in January 2025, described as a Saudi-first for a drone delivery operator.

Where is BVLOS testing being developed in Saudi Arabia?

One source says drone corridors and sandbox zones for BVLOS testing are being developed in Riyadh.

What BVLOS delivery activity has been announced for major Saudi cities and giga-projects?

A March 2026 update says Skyports and iot squared launched BVLOS drone delivery trials using advanced AI navigation aimed at logistics across major Saudi cities and giga-projects.

What compliance cost level is associated with drone operations in Saudi Arabia?

One source states compliance costs for operators are expected to exceed SAR 250 million annually, reflecting the scale of operations and regulatory seriousness.