The launch of two new Saudi Arabian airlines, Qatar Airways-backed Al Maha Airways and privately owned SaudiGulf Airlines, has been delayed as the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has ruled that they have failed to meet the kingdom's regulatory guidelines to begin services. The GACA president, Sulaiman Al Hamdan, however has denied claims it is deliberately blocking the approval of the two carriers. "There are regulations that they have to follow to get the license. We are transparent and we provide the same facilities to all airlines," said Al Hamdan.
SaudiGulf Airline will begin operations during the fourth quarter of this year rather than earlier in this year, while it is not yet known when Al Maha Airways will launched although it had previously set its launch for November 2014.