The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has officially released its new Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) on Aerodrome Crisis Management (ACM), introducing a comprehensive framework to strengthen how the UAE’s aerodromes prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises and operational disruptions.
The newly published regulation represents a strategic shift from traditional, reactive, and siloed approaches to a coordinated, integrated, and performance-driven crisis management model.
The regulation aims to significantly enhance safety, operational continuity, and resilience across the UAE’s civil aviation sector.
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A proactive shift in crisis management strategy
Developed in close collaboration with UAE airports and aligned with international best practices, the regulation is tailored to meet the complex and evolving challenges faced by modern aerodrome operators.
Setting a global benchmark for crisis readiness
The CAR on Aerodrome Crisis Management sets a new global benchmark for crisis preparedness in aviation. It provides a unified framework to effectively manage major disruptions, such as pandemics, natural disasters, and other large-scale emergencies, with emphasis on:
- Comprehensive crisis planning
- Multi-agency coordination
- Continuous training and simulation exercises
- Risk-based decision-making integrated into daily operations
This approach ensures that aerodromes across the UAE can respond swiftly and cohesively to disruptions while maintaining public safety and business continuity.
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.”
Engineer Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general for Aviation Safety Affairs, said: “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.”
He added: “It’s a forward-looking step that places UAE aerodromes at the forefront of global resilience standards.”
Enhancing the UAE’s role as a global aviation leader
By implementing the advanced regulation, the UAE further cements its position as a global aviation leader, offering a model that regulators and operators around the world can adopt.
The regulation not only enhances the resilience of airport infrastructure and services but also supports the broader goal of maintaining the UAE’s status as a safe, forward-thinking, and reliable international aviation hub.
