The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has introduced a landmark Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) focused on Aerodrome Crisis Management (ACM), marking a significant shift in how the nation’s airports handle emergencies and disruptions.
This newly published regulation by GCCA sets a comprehensive framework to enhance the readiness, response, and recovery capabilities of aerodromes across the UAE, reinforcing the country’s commitment to aviation safety and operational resilience.
Developed through close collaboration with the UAE’s airports and international best practices, the regulation establishes a holistic, integrated, and proactive framework for aerodrome crisis management.
This GCAA regulation marks a strategic shift away from traditional reactive and compartmentalized models toward a coordinated, performance-driven approach that enhances safety, business continuity, and operational excellence across the aviation sector.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said that, “This regulation reflects the UAE’s commitment to proactive aviation leadership. Our aerodromes will not only be better prepared for crises but will also emerge from them stronger and more unified.”
According to the statement, the new regulation sets a global benchmark for managing complex, evolving challenges such as pandemics and natural disasters. It mandates comprehensive crisis planning, inter-agency coordination, continuous training, and the integration of risk-based decision-making into daily operations.
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs, stated that the regulation was developed through extensive consultation with airport operators and aviation stakeholders; their insights were critical to shaping a regulation that is both practical and scalable.
“It’s a forward-looking step that places UAE aerodromes at the forefront of global resilience standards,” noted Eng. Al Zarouni.
This strategic advancement is set to further elevate the UAE’s reputation as a safe, resilient, and forward-thinking aviation hub, offering a model framework for regulators and operators worldwide, as per the statement.
