On October 22, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Transportation Affairs Heidi Gómez and Saudi Arabia’s Executive Vice President of Air Transport and International Cooperation, Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, signed a record of discussions to finalize a Protocol of Amendment expanding the U.S.-Saudi Air Transport Agreement of 2013. The signing took place at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2024) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This Amendment will introduce seventh-freedom rights for all-cargo operations, allowing U.S. airlines to transport cargo between Saudi Arabia and third countries without requiring a stop in the U.S., enhancing the efficiency and reach of cargo hub operations. Saudi carriers will gain reciprocal rights to serve the U.S. market under the same terms. This development strengthens the economic and commercial relationship between the two nations by streamlining global cargo logistics and providing greater operational flexibility to meet rising demands in air freight and express delivery.
For more details, please contact the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Press Office at EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov. Additional information on U.S. international aviation policy and air transport agreements is available on the Department of State’s website at https://www.state.gov/civil-air-transport-agreements/.
