Universal Aviation Opens First Private FBO Terminal in Saudi Arabia

Universal Aviation officially commenced operations at its new General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and fixed-base operator (FBO) facility at King Fahd International Airport (OEDF) in Dammam on September 1, 2026. The launch establishes the first dedicated private aviation terminal and hangar complex in Saudi Arabia.

Announced via a company press release, the opening marks Universal Aviation’s inaugural operational footprint in the Kingdom. The facility’s development was executed in partnership with MATARAT Holding, Dammam Airports Company (DACO), and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), supporting the broader National Transport and Logistics Strategy under the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

Facility specifications and operational scope

According to reporting by Aviation International News, the Dammam complex spans 42,000 square feet. This footprint includes a 22,000-square-foot passenger terminal and a 20,000-square-foot climate-controlled hangar designed specifically for business Commercial-Aircraft.

Prior to the September 1 launch, Universal Aviation secured its GACAR Part 151 certification, the mandatory ground service provider credential issued by GACA. The regulatory authority formally granted the ground handling license on July 26, 2026. This was followed by a final operational readiness review conducted alongside DACO on August 24, 2026, to verify the facility’s preparedness for live traffic.

“Bringing the new Dammam GAT to operational readiness required a tremendous amount of coordination across facility development, staffing, training, equipment, safety systems, regulatory approvals, and operating procedures,” said John Hewett, Global Vice President of Universal Aviation.

Hewett noted that the operation is structured to support clients with proactive communication and coordinated logistics through every stage of a mission, beginning well before an aircraft arrives on the ramp.

Strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia

The Dammam facility represents the first phase of a broader expansion strategy within the country. Universal Aviation plans to operate a total of three locations across Saudi Arabia, with future sites slated for Jeddah and Riyadh.

The upcoming Jeddah location will feature a planned 108,000-square-foot private aviation hangar, significantly expanding the company’s physical infrastructure and aircraft storage capacity in the region.

“Today’s opening is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of our long-term vision for Saudi Arabia,” said Greg Evans, Managing Principal of the Evans Family Office. “We are committed to investing in the Kingdom, developing Saudi talent, and helping elevate business aviation service standards.”

AirPro News analysis

We view Universal Aviation’s entry into Saudi Arabia as a critical step in maturing the region’s business aviation infrastructure. Historically, business jet operators in the Kingdom have often relied on shared or retrofitted commercial Airports facilities. By introducing purpose-built, climate-controlled hangars and dedicated FBO terminals, Saudi Arabia is aligning its ground handling capabilities with the expectations of international corporate flight departments. This development directly supports the Vision 2030 mandate to increase foreign Investments and tourism by removing logistical friction for high-net-worth and corporate travelers.

Sources: Universal Aviation