GCC Aviation Body Announced as One-Stop Travel Pilot Begins

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has initiated a new era of cross-border mobility and airspace coordination. Leaders have introduced a pilot for one-stop travel entry and have endorsed the creation of a central aviation authority during their annual summit in Bahrain.

The GCC Civil Aviation Authority, which will be based in the United Arab Emirates, was formally announced by Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi. The decision came after consultations held in Kuwait City by the GCC’s Executive Committee for Civil Aviation. 

The meeting proposed three major projects: a single aviation authority, airspace integration, and the adoption of next-generation air mobility systems.

Streamlined Border Process Begins Between Bahrain and UAE

A pilot phase of the one-stop travel system was launched earlier this week between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The system enables GCC citizens to complete immigration procedures only once during their journey.

The trial is part of a broader travel facilitation plan. Officials say that the same model will be extended across the entire GCC region in the future. However, no fixed dates have been provided for the full implementation.

Strong Aviation Sector Supports Integration Goals

Member states of the GCC operate a total of 23 international airports and run 17 national carriers. According to recent industry rankings, six of those airlines are among the top 50 globally for the year 2024. In 2023, carriers from the GCC region handled an estimated 68 million passengers.

The new authority is expected to help coordinate aviation policies, update operational standards, and apply shared technologies. It is being shaped around the model of the Single European Sky, which is used by the European Union.

Officials noted that each country will need to update its aviation laws before the new system can become fully operational.

Other Measures Approved at the Summit

Economic and legislative developments were also on the agenda. Member states agreed on modifications to selected clauses within the regional VAT and excise tax framework. 

Leaders also backed the creation of a GCC Industrial Platform, which will support regional manufacturing and increase competitiveness in key sectors.

Regarding legal reforms, Al Budaiwi said the summit endorsed a common framework for drafting legislation. New tools to promote transparency and fight corruption were also approved, including regional integrity guidelines to be used across member states.

Several items were passed under the Human Rights Council, including plans for designated Gulf Weeks focused on governance, auditing, and protecting religious values.