GCC to Establish Unified Aviation Authority: Streamlining Air Travel
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has taken a significant step toward regional aviation integration by establishing a unified aviation authority following the 46th GCC Summit in Bahrain. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi announced the decision on December 3, 2025, marking a watershed moment for commercial aviation across the six-nation bloc comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The new regulatory body will be headquartered in the UAE and tasked with overseeing the implementation of a Unified Upper Airspace management framework—a critical infrastructure initiative that will harmonize airspace management across member states. Additionally, the authority will coordinate the rollout of numerous Advanced Air Mobility projects currently underway throughout the region, positioning the GCC as a leader in next-generation aviation technologies.