UAE’s GCAA issues new airport crisis management regulation

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced today the issuance of the Civil Aviation Regulation on Airport Crisis Management. The new regulation is designed to bring a paradigm shift in how airports prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises, emergencies, and operational disruptions.

Developed in close collaboration with airports across the UAE and based on international best practices, the regulation establishes a comprehensive, integrated, and proactive framework for crisis management within the airport environment.

This regulation represents a strategic shift from traditional, reactive models to a coordinated, performance-based approach that enhances safety, business continuity, and operational excellence across the aviation sector.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, stated that the regulation constitutes a significant addition to the set of rules governing aviation safety and regulation in the country. It also strengthens the sector’s ability to meet business continuity requirements and align with global best practices.

He added that the regulation reflects the UAE’s commitment to innovation and forward planning, ensuring that its airports are not only prepared to handle crises, but also emerge stronger and more resilient from them.

The new regulation sets a global benchmark for managing complex and evolving challenges such as global health pandemics or natural disasters. It requires airports to establish comprehensive crisis management plans, activate coordination mechanisms among relevant stakeholders, implement continuous training programs, and integrate risk-based decision-making into daily operations.

Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, noted that the regulation was developed following extensive consultations with airport operators and sector stakeholders.

He explained that the regulation draws on the practical experience and expertise of airport operators, enabling the design of a pragmatic and applicable regulatory framework. This strategic step further strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading global aviation hub with advanced institutional resilience.

The issuance of this regulation forms part of the GCAA’s broader strategy to consolidate the UAE’s position as a safe, resilient, and advanced aviation hub, while providing a regulatory model that can serve as a reference for regulators and airport operators worldwide.