• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approved the creation of a unified Civil Aviation Authority headquartered in the United Arab Emirates during its recent 46th Summit in Bahrain, marking a significant step toward harmonising aviation regulations across its six member states.
• This new body aims to streamline operations, enhance safety standards, and boost the competitiveness of Gulf carriers in a rapidly growing sector.
• GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi announced the decision, emphasising its role in deepening economic ties among Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

The 46th GCC Summit, hosted in Bahrain, focused on enhancing connectivity and integration, with aviation emerging as a priority amid booming regional air traffic. Leaders approved the authority as part of broader infrastructure initiatives, including a general agreement for the GCC Railway project set for completion by 2026 to link all member states and reduce travel times. This railway complements aviation efforts by promoting intra-GCC mobility, potentially easing pressure on air routes for short-haul flights.

The aviation authority’s establishment builds on prior recommendations from the GCC Executive Committee for Civil Aviation, which met in Kuwait and stressed joint cooperation to elevate safety and security standards. Coordination in international forums like the International Civil Aviation Organisation will strengthen the bloc’s global influence, according to committee statements.

Unifying technical and regulatory standards will simplify travel for passengers, enabling faster processes and potentially lower fares through operational efficiencies. The GCC operates over 23 international airports and 17 national airlines, including giants like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, making harmonisation essential for managing busy skies and scaling seamless mobility. Experts highlight that aligned rules will streamline carrier operations, improve safety, and enhance collective bargaining for fleet deals with global suppliers.

This initiative supports the recent “one-stop” travel system pilot between UAE and Bahrain, allowing GCC citizens to complete immigration, customs, and security checks at a single point, with expansion planned if successful. By reducing discrepancies in national systems, the authority positions the region as a global aviation powerhouse, addressing past challenges like regulatory fragmentation that hindered growth.