Grenada has signed a landmark Air Service Agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for enhanced air connectivity, increased tourism, and new trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. The agreement, signed on April 14, 2025, marks a significant step in Grenada’s strategy to expand its global aviation partnerships and strengthen diplomatic ties with the Middle East.
Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell, who also serves as Minister for Civil Aviation, signed on behalf of Grenada, while Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, represented the Kingdom during the signing ceremony in Doha.
The agreement provides a legal framework for establishing international commercial air transport services between Grenada and Saudi Arabia. It includes provisions for traffic rights, safety and security regulations, tariffs, and potential code-sharing arrangements-paving the way for future direct or connecting flights.
“This is more than just a bilateral agreement-it’s a gateway to new opportunities in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” said Prime Minister Mitchell. “We are proud to partner with Saudi Arabia as we continue to position Grenada as a globally connected and investment-ready destination.”
Advancing Bilateral Relations and Economic Growth
The agreement is part of Grenada’s broader foreign policy efforts to strengthen relationships with non-traditional partners. It follows a similar air services agreement signed with Qatar in October 2023 and reflects the island’s proactive approach to opening new markets and enhancing air access to and from the Caribbean.
The potential for increased visitor arrivals from Saudi Arabia, combined with growing interest in Caribbean tourism among Gulf nations, is expected to create a positive ripple effect on local businesses, hospitality services, and the wider economy.
Visa Access Supports Growing Connectivity
The air service agreement builds on a key development that occurred in May 2024, when Saudi Arabia included Grenadian citizens among those eligible for eVisas and visas on arrival. Grenadians can now obtain a multiple-entry tourist visa online or upon arrival, valid for stays of up to 90 days within a one-year period. The visa facilitates travel for tourism, visiting relatives, or performing Umrah (excluding Hajj).
This move by Saudi Arabia has already made travel more accessible for Grenadians and complements the new air service agreement by reducing travel barriers and encouraging cultural and economic exchange.
Together, these initiatives represent a growing relationship between Grenada and Saudi Arabia- one rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared vision for greater global mobility and sustainable development.
