GACA President: Regional Challenges Highlight Need for Stronger Cooperation to Ensure Air Transport Continuity

التحديات الإقليمية وأهمية التعاون

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), participated in the Eighth Meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation – Middle East Region (DGCA-MID/8), held in Doha, Qatar, from October 26 to 28, with the participation of officials from civil aviation authorities and representatives of international and regional organizations. The meeting addressed challenges facing the aviation sector and ways to strengthen regional cooperation. In his address to the meeting, GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination and cooperation among countries in the region, exchanging operational information, and strengthening emergency preparedness and business continuity plans to ensure the safety of air traffic and enhance the resilience of the civil aviation sector and its ability to respond to crises. Al-Duailej highlighted the Kingdom's continued progress toward achieving the objectives of the Aviation Program, part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030. He noted that Saudi airports handled more than 140 million passengers in 2025, while the Kingdom's air connectivity network expanded to 176 international destinations, reflecting the progress made in developing the aviation sector and strengthening the Kingdom's connectivity with the world. He pointed out that recent regional developments have affected the civil aviation sector, air transport operations, passenger demand, and airline capacity. Citing data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), he said passenger traffic in the Middle East declined by approximately 20% from January to August 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, while available seat capacity fell by more than 16%. Al-Duailej explained that the Kingdom responded to the exceptional circumstances by activating approved contingency plans, leveraging the diversity and integration of its transportation modes, and providing alternative routes and multiple travel options for passengers. These measures helped mitigate the impact of the crisis while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. He expressed his appreciation for the solidarity shown toward the Kingdom and the support extended by brotherly countries following the terrorist attacks targeting civilian airports. He prayed for Allah's mercy upon those who lost their lives and for the swift recovery of the injured. Al-Duailej also congratulated the Syrian Arab Republic and the State of Libya on the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) decision to withdraw the two previously issued aeronautical information notices concerning Damascus and Tripoli, enabling both countries to contribute effectively to the safety of international air navigation. Participating countries condemned the terrorist acts carried out by the Houthi terrorist militia against the Kingdom's airports, which targeted innocent civilians and disrupted air transport operations. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the Kingdom and their support for the measures it is taking to safeguard its security and the safety of its citizens. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) also issued separate statements condemning the acts of sabotage targeting the Kingdom's airports over the past week. In the context of strengthening regional cooperation on aviation safety, Al-Duailej underscored the important role of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) in pooling and sharing resources and promoting their collective use. He noted that the Kingdom continues to work with member states to strengthen the capabilities of the Middle East and North Africa Regional Safety Oversight Organization (MENA RSOO). He called on countries across the region to join the organization to enhance the efficiency and resilience of the aviation safety system and help states fulfill their obligations under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Al-Duailej reaffirmed the Kingdom's continued support for international efforts in sustainability and innovation, hosting specialized international events, strengthening partnerships, and exchanging knowledge and expertise. These efforts contribute to the development of the civil aviation sector and support the objectives of ICAO's No Country Left Behind (NCLB) initiative. The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the Kingdom, countries across the region, and ICAO to strengthen joint cooperation and advance the civil aviation system, supporting the highest standards of safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability while enhancing the continuity of air transport and connectivity among countries in the region.

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