The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) welcomed the approval by the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to establish the GCC Civil Aviation Authority under the umbrella of the GCC General Secretariat. The decision was announced during the 46th session of the Supreme Council, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This resolution represents a strategic step reflecting the commitment of GCC states to unify efforts and advance the Gulf civil aviation system in line with global technological and regulatory developments. It strengthens safety, security, sustainability, and competitiveness across the region’s aviation sector. 

The decision also signals a growing Gulf-wide orientation toward building an integrated civil aviation model founded on regulatory harmonization, aligned international positions, infrastructure support, and enhanced national workforce capabilities—ultimately achieving a unified air system that meets the requirements of safe, regular, and sustainable air transport.

In this context, H.E. Eng. Naif bin Ali Al-Abri, President of the Civil Aviation Authority, stated that establishing this GCC authority represents an extension of the long-standing trajectory of Gulf cooperation in this vital sector. He emphasized that it marks a new phase of joint action and reflects Oman’s commitment to

supporting GCC integration in civil aviation—particularly in strengthening cooperation among Gulf aviation authorities, keeping pace with technological change, modernizing regulations, developing aviation resources, and contributing to unifying regional positions in international forums, thereby bolstering the collective GCC presence on the global aviation map.

The GCC Civil Aviation Authority aims to enhance joint efforts among GCC states in the field of civil aviation by reinforcing legislative and operational harmonization and integration across member states, ensuring the highest levels of safety, security, and efficiency in air transport. The authority focuses on unifying civil aviation regulations and policies, streamlining national legislation within a unified Gulf framework capable of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global aviation industry.

It also seeks to advance the sector through joint projects and initiatives, support training and capacity-building programs for national talent, encourage investment in essential infrastructure such as airports and navigation systems, and promote environmental sustainability and stronger air transport economics. Its role further includes facilitating travel procedures, coordinating efforts related to passenger rights, and enhancing the quality of civil aviation services across the Gulf, thereby boosting the region’s competitiveness internationally.

The authority’s mandate encompasses a broad range of responsibilities that enable it to fulfill its strategic objectives. It will play a central role in coordinating unified GCC positions in international aviation bodies and forums. It will also work to support integration among Gulf air carriers and institutions, and strengthen the aviation industry in member states by monitoring global technological developments and regulatory shifts to ensure the region’s readiness for future challenges.

Its responsibilities include harmonizing civil aviation regulations and procedures, implementing the Standards and Recommended Practices of the Chicago Convention, and supporting cooperation in executing ICAO’s regional air navigation plans.

The authority will also facilitate the exchange of aviation safety and security information, coordinate training and qualification programs, study technical and operational issues encountered by any member state, and propose appropriate solutions. It will further prepare economic, legal, and technical studies that support the continued development of the GCC civil aviation system.

In parallel, the approval to establish the GCC Civil Aviation Authority aligns with Oman’s ongoing contributions to joint GCC initiatives. Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority, recently participated in the 21st meeting of the Executive Committee for Civil Aviation of the GCC, hosted by the State of Kuwait last November and organized by the Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation in cooperation with the GCC General Secretariat, with participation from all member states. The meeting discussed several strategic files, foremost among them the proposal to establish the GCC Civil Aviation Authority.