Regional Aviation Body Unveiled as GCC Begins One-Stop Travel Rollout

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has launched a pilot phase of its “one-stop” travel entry system and confirmed the creation of a unified regional civil aviation body. The announcements were made during the 46th GCC Summit held in Bahrain.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi confirmed that the new GCC Civil Aviation Authority will be headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. The decision follows recommendations from the Executive Committee for Civil Aviation, which convened in Kuwait City. 

The committee had proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of a unified airspace and the adoption of advanced air mobility systems. These were presented for endorsement by the GCC Supreme Council.

UAE and Bahrain Begin One-Stop Travel System

Earlier this week, the UAE and Bahrain began piloting a one-stop travel system. The system allows GCC citizens to cross borders between the two countries without repeating immigration procedures. 

Officials stated that this system will eventually include all GCC member states. However, no confirmed timeline has been announced for the full implementation across the region.

The initiative is designed to simplify regional travel and is part of a broader strategy to align civil aviation policies, standardize legislation, and introduce advanced technologies.

Aviation Integration Gains Momentum

The GCC region currently operates 23 international airports and is home to 17 national airlines, six of which ranked among the world’s top 50 carriers in 2024. In 2023, GCC airlines transported approximately 68 million passengers. The aviation authority is expected to support further growth through improved coordination between states.

According to officials, the new regional aviation structure draws inspiration from the European Union’s Single European Sky model. However, full implementation will require additional legislative work and regulatory alignment between member states.

Broader Agreements at the GCC Summit

The summit also produced several key economic and social decisions. In support of industrial growth, the summit endorsed the launch of the GCC Industrial Platform, a new initiative aimed at strengthening regional manufacturing and improving economic competitiveness.

Revisions to specific parts of the Unified VAT and Excise Tax Agreement were also formally adopted. On legislative and governance matters, the summit adopted a unified legislative drafting guide for member states. It also approved new GCC-wide anti-corruption frameworks, including updated integrity manuals.

In the human rights domain, leaders passed multiple resolutions through the GCC Human Rights Council. They also agreed to organize Gulf Weeks focused on financial oversight and on promoting the protection of religious values.