MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has issued the first operational permit for drone-based medicine delivery and medical logistics operations to Terra Drone Arabia.
The permit covers operations within the boundaries of the Holy Sites in Makkah during the Hajj season, reflecting the authority’s push to adopt advanced technologies to serve pilgrims.
GACA said the permit forms part of its efforts to develop the aviation sector, support advanced technologies, and localize innovative solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency and accelerating medical and logistical response services in the Holy Sites while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
The permit builds on operational trials conducted during the previous Hajj season involving the use of drones for medical and logistics services. GACA said those trials helped support the development of operational and regulatory frameworks that led to the issuance of the first permit of its kind during the current Hajj season.
Through these initiatives, GACA aims to support innovation in the aviation sector and expand the use of modern technologies in operational environments, helping improve system readiness and service quality for pilgrims in line with the Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.
