The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has launched the second phase of the Qatari initiative to shorten air routes through Egyptian airspace, following the successful implementation of the first phase.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between QCAA and the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, aims to improve air traffic efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance regional cooperation in the field of civil aviation.
The first phase of the initiative included training 35 Egyptian air traffic controllers by the Air Navigation Department of the Authority on the parallel take-off and landing system. The second phase will involve a partial redesign of Egyptian airspace and modifications to flight paths within the Cairo Flight Information Region. These changes are expected to shorten overflight durations, reduce congestion, and deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
The initiative also includes the continued training of Egyptian air traffic controllers on the Free Route Airspace (FRA) system. This modern navigation approach enables aircraft to fly more direct routes, significantly cutting down on flight times and fuel consumption. The QCAA’s Air Navigation Department, in coordination with Qatar Airways, prepared the proposal that serves as the foundation for this phase.
Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Hajri, In Charge of Managing QCAA, remarked that the initiative is part of Qatar’s long-standing commitment to advancing the civil aviation sector and promoting regional and international cooperation. He praised the successful collaboration of QCAA with Egyptian authorities and highlighted the initiative’s contribution to sustainability and service quality in the aviation industry.
He added that the initiative of QCAA to shorten air routes over Egyptian airspace is the result of fruitful and constructive collaboration between the QCAA and the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority. It aims to enhance air traffic efficiency, reduce congestion, and shorten flight times, delivering clear economic and environmental benefits.
This initiative by QCAA also embodies Qatar’s vision of being an active partner in the global development of air navigation systems and reaffirms the country’s dedication to achieving sustainability in the aviation industry and reducing carbon emissions, in line with the priorities and objectives of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Al-Hajri also highlighted the initiative’s positive impact on both travelers and airlines by cutting flight durations, improving travel efficiency, reducing delays and wait times, and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of service and passenger satisfaction.
Image credits: QCCA | Cropped by GBN
He further emphasized that QCAA will continue pursuing similar initiatives with a number of regional and international partners, with the goal of ensuring safe and efficient air navigation across key global transit zones and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading international hub for civil aviation.
Al-Hajri concluded by expressing his appreciation to the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority for their constructive cooperation, swift responsiveness, and shared commitment to the success of this pioneering initiative a reflection of the strong ties between the two nations and a clear demonstration of a shared determination to achieve greater integration in the civil aviation sector.
HE Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Dr. Sameh El-Hefny affirmed that the strength of relations and cooperation between Egypt and the State of Qatar in the field of civil aviation, noting that they represent a model of regional integration based on mutual respect and mutual understanding.
HE El-Hefny explained that this cooperation between the two countries is based on the bilateral air transport agreement, supported by several memoranda of understanding related to increasing passenger and air cargo flights and facilitating access to Egyptian airports, in line with the growth of air traffic.
The Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister added that this project is a strategic step towards strengthening the infrastructure of Egyptian airspace, enhancing Egypt’s position as a regional hub for aviation traffic, and simultaneously supporting the country’s sustainable environmental efforts in the aviation sector.
Image credits: QCCA | Cropped by GBN
His Excellency expressed Egypt’s aspiration for further cooperation with the State of Qatar in the areas of aviation safety, technical training, and expertise exchange, which would contribute to enhancing sustainable growth and modernizing operational mechanisms in the aviation sector in both countries. He expressed his hope that this meeting would yield fruitful results that would pave the way for a broader and deeper partnership in the field of civil aviation between the two sides.
Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Egypt and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the League of Arab States, expressed the State of Qatar’s keenness on strengthening cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt, particularly in the civil aviation sector, praising the continuous development of Egypt’s infrastructure.
His Excellency also affirmed Qatar’s readiness to enhance joint coordination in technical and regulatory fields, noting that Egypt represents the heart of the Arab world and enjoys a pivotal position at the regional and international levels.
HE Al-Ansari stated that the initiative to shorten air routes is not limited to operational aspects only but also contributes to strengthening ties between the two peoples and increasing air, commercial, and tourism traffic, reflecting a shared will to build an effective model for cooperation in the field of air navigation.
With this second phase underway, both Qatar and Egypt reaffirm their commitment to shaping the future of regional aviation through innovative, cooperative solutions that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and long-term growth.
