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GCC moves closer to forming unified civil aviation authority, says Kuwait official
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is moving towards establishing a unified civil aviation authority following a recommendation by the GCC Executive Committee for Civil Aviation, according to Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Al-Sabah, Chief of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) during the 21st meeting of the committee in Kuwait on Thursday (27 November 2025), Sheikh Humoud said the proposal will be presented to the GCC Supreme Council for endorsement. He described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening cooperation and integration among Gulf states in aviation regulation, safety, and technological advancement.
GCC eyes joint civil aviation body
“The importance of joint GCC cooperation in civil aviation cannot be overstated,” Sheikh Humoud said. “It is essential to deepen integration among our authorities to advance the sector and ensure the highest standards of safety and security.”
He added that the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies has become a key factor in developing the air transport system by improving efficiency, facilitating passenger movement, and enhancing safety and service quality.
Sheikh Humoud noted that achieving these goals will require the issuance of harmonised legislation and the unification of operating systems across GCC countries, in line with the directives of the region’s leaders.
Sheikh Humoud also congratulated Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for securing seats on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for 2025–2027. He extended congratulations to Oman for being selected to preside over the 42nd ICAO Assembly and to Bahrain for receiving the ICAO Council President’s Award for excellence in aviation security.
Kuwait, he added, also achieved strong results in its recent ICAO security audit, scoring above regional and global averages.
Khalid Al-Sanidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC, highlighted the region’s progress in aviation infrastructure, legislation, and smart technologies. He said the GCC now operates 23 international airports and 17 national airlines, six of which are ranked among the world’s top 50 carriers. GCC airlines carried approximately 68 million passengers in 2023, reflecting sustained growth in the sector.
The committee’s meeting also discussed coordination with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), upcoming aviation events for 2026, and measures to enhance joint cooperation and integration across Gulf air transport systems.
