The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) will allocate SR2.5 billion of its budget this year to several new projects, including the development of Al-Baha and King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz airports in Jizan, aside from projects for developing infrastructure for other airports, an official source in GACA told Okaz/Saudi Gazette Wednesday. He said GACA's budget this year includes a number of development projects aiming to boost development through domestic airports projects. The source added that the budget also includes fund for the improvement of runways in several airports, to cover asphalting works, paving and illumination of the roads, passageways and courtyards, among others. The source added that GACA projects are being followed constantly by GACA Chairman Prince Fahd Bin Abdullah, who instructs those in charge to observe precision and speed in carrying out the projects. The source pointed out several GACA development projects that have been accomplished, including the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, which has seen major development, as well as Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Ula and Najran Airport which is expected to operate international flights soon. He added that Abha Airport is raising its capacity to 5 million passengers annually under the new expansion project signed recently, which is to be completed in 18 months. Then it will be offered for public tender. At present, work is going on in inviting bids for carrying out the project for developing Ar'ar Airport and the winning company will be announced later. He said GACA is working diligently in drawing up its strategic plan to develop the Kingdom's domestic airports, including Al-Qassim and Al-Jouf airports. __
