GCC Launches New Aviation Authority as One-Stop Border Entry Starts

The Gulf Cooperation Council has taken a significant step toward regional mobility and airspace coordination by introducing a pilot travel system and agreeing to establish a unified aviation authority. The announcements were made during the 46th GCC Summit held in Bahrain.

The new GCC Civil Aviation Authority, which will operate out of the United Arab Emirates, was introduced by Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi. Its formation was based on proposals put forward by the Executive Committee for Civil Aviation, which convened earlier in Kuwait City. 

During that meeting, the committee outlined a series of major aviation initiatives for the Supreme Council to consider. These included a joint authority, the management of airspace across member states, and the development of advanced air mobility solutions.

Gulf states currently operate more than 20 international airports and are home to 17 state-run airlines. Of these, six have secured positions on the list of the world’s top 50 airlines for 2024. The region’s carriers handled approximately 68 million passengers last year. 

The planned aviation authority is expected to manage technical and regulatory alignment. The model is said to be inspired by the European Union’s approach to a single airspace, though further legal and administrative steps are required before it can function fully.

In parallel, a one-stop travel system has started its pilot run between the UAE and Bahrain. The system is designed to simplify movement for Gulf nationals by removing the need to repeat immigration procedures when crossing borders between participating states. 

While the long-term goal is to introduce the system throughout the entire region, no official date has been announced for full implementation. Officials indicated that expansion will be gradual, pending further coordination among member countries.

In addition, summit participants finalized several agreements in economic and legal areas. One of the key decisions was to amend parts of the regional VAT and excise tax structure. 

Another agreement led to the formation of the GCC Industrial Platform, which is set to enhance manufacturing capacity and support economic advancement within the bloc.

Al Budaiwi announced that the summit approved a unified legislative drafting guide for member states and adopted updated integrity manuals to reinforce anti-corruption efforts across the region.

Regarding human rights, the council adopted multiple resolutions and backed the introduction of dedicated Gulf Weeks focused on financial governance and the protection of shared cultural and religious principles.