The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued a new Civil Aviation Regulation on Aerodrome Crisis Management, introducing a framework to enhance how UAE airports prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Developed with input from the country’s airports and aligned with international best practices, the regulation shifts crisis management from a reactive model to an integrated, performance-driven approach. It is designed to boost safety, ensure business continuity, and maintain operational excellence across the aviation sector.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said,
“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.”
The regulation sets a global benchmark, requiring comprehensive planning, inter-agency coordination, continuous training, and risk-based decision-making. It addresses complex challenges such as pandemics and natural disasters while ensuring scalability for all airports.
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs, noted the regulation was shaped through extensive consultation with operators and stakeholders.
“It’s a forward-looking step that places UAE aerodromes at the forefront of global resilience standards,”
he said.
This move reinforces the UAE’s standing as a safe, resilient, and forward-thinking aviation hub and offers a model framework for the international aviation community.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
