The General Civil Aviation Authority announced the release of the new Civil Aviation Crisis Management Regulation for Airports, known as “CAR – Airport Crisis Management”. This regulatory framework aims to significantly enhance airports’ preparedness for crises, emergencies, and operational disruptions, along with their response and recovery capabilities.
This regulation was developed in close collaboration with the nation’s airports and is based on international best practices, providing a comprehensive, integrated, and proactive approach to crisis management within the airport environment.
The regulation marks a strategic shift away from traditional reactive models towards a coordinated, performance-based approach that promotes safety, business continuity, and operational excellence in the aviation sector.
Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, indicated that this regulation is a significant addition to the rules governing aviation safety and operations within the country, enhancing its capacity to meet business continuity requirements and align with established best practices.
He also noted that the regulation reflects the nation’s commitment to innovation and future planning, ensuring that our airports are prepared not only to handle crises but to emerge from them stronger and more integrated.
The new regulation sets a global standard for managing complex and evolving challenges such as global health pandemics or natural disasters. It mandates airports to develop comprehensive crisis management plans, activate coordination among concerned entities, implement ongoing training programs, and incorporate risk assessment-based decision-making into daily operations.
Engineer Akeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs, mentioned that the preparation of the regulation followed extensive consultations with airport operators and industry stakeholders.
He added that the regulation was informed by the experiences and insights of airport operators, which enabled the design of a practical and applicable regulatory framework. This is a strategic step that bolsters the country’s position as a leading global aviation hub known for institutional resilience.
This initiative aligns with the authority’s strategy to position the UAE as a secure, resilient, and advanced aviation center, providing a regulatory model that can be emulated by regulatory bodies and airport operators worldwide.