Civil aviation key to Qatar's economic growth: Minister

HE the Minister of Transport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed al-Thani has reiterated Qatar’s strong commitment to civil aviation as a "cornerstone" of economic growth and enhanced regional and global connectivity.

“Hosting a major conference like FALC 2025 - ICAO Facilitation Conference- highlights the country’s strong commitment to civil aviation,” Sheikh Mohammed noted.

The minister was speaking after inaugurating the ICAO Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025), hosted by Qatar and organised by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The four-day conference is being held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.

The Minister emphasised the importance of hosting the 2025 ICAO Facilitation Conference at a time when the civil aviation industry is facing increasing challenges.

He noted that reinforcing operational resilience, responding to regulatory and economic shifts, and embracing digital transformation have emerged as strategic priorities.

The conference, Sheikh Mohammed noted, serves as a "pivotal platform" for developing "innovative and proactive solutions to drive a more efficient and sustainable" global air transport system.

The minister lauded award-winning Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways and said they are "symbolic of the country’s commitment to providing a world-class infrastructure" for an “exceptional and integrated” passenger experience.

"Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways embody such a commitment in the form of offering an integrated travel experience based on latest traveller data systems that helped cut wait time, and improve security check procedures, in addition to being a main partner to global facilitation initiatives in association with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), thereby putting best universal practices in place," the minister said.

Sheikh Mohammed urged conference participants from around the world to take full advantage of the opportunity to deepen international cooperation and engage in productive discussions that lead to meaningful collaboration and impactful solutions for improving air transport facilitation and the traveller experience.

He also invited ministers and senior officials to the high-level Ministerial Segment, where a joint ministerial declaration will be announced.

“This declaration aims to promote a unified and comprehensive approach to air transport facilitation, support future initiatives, and ensure continued progress based on shared strategic principles,” Sheikh Mohammed noted.

ICAO FALC 2025 is attended by more than 120 ministers and aviation authority chiefs from around the world and numerous high-profile officials, experts and leaders representing civil aviation industry in some 190 countries.

Held under the theme 'Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Collaboration, Efficiency, Inclusivity', the conference offers a unique platform for states and aviation industry stakeholders to explore advancements in air transport facilitation.

It encourages dialogue on improving cooperation and operational efficiency in global air travel, while fostering collaboration among participants to develop a comprehensive global facilitation strategy that can adapt to the sector’s rapid evolution.

The ICAO Facilitation Conference is distinguished by its high-level Ministerial Segment, which sets the strategic tone for the event and reaffirms global commitment to strengthening air transport facilitation. This segment provides a key platform for ministers to discuss and endorse initiatives aimed at connecting communities and enhancing seamless international mobility.

In his address, Mohamed bin Faleh al-Hajri, In Charge of Managing the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), noted, “Qatar’s emergence as a global aviation leader, driven not only by its advanced infrastructure but also by its intellectual leadership, active engagement in ICAO initiatives, and ongoing efforts to raise international standards in the sector.”

Al-Hajri said, “The conference underscores the need for collaborative efforts to achieve efficiency, inclusivity, and resilience in the transport of passengers and cargo, ensuring smooth and secure global movement.”

He added: “This is not just an operational necessity but a key factor in strengthening the aviation sector’s role and its positive impact on the global economy. It drives connectivity between nations, particularly as the industry undergoes significant transformation and rapid technological advancement. This requires a proactive, cooperative approach to address emerging challenges and capitalise on new opportunities in air transport facilitation.”

Al-Hajri reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to advancing international facilitation through active participation in ICAO activities and involvement in various technical committees and working groups.

He drew attention to the value of the conference sessions, which will focus on addressing vital topics for the development of air transport facilitation.

Al-Hajri emphasised that fostering international cooperation is key to strengthening the global aviation system’s resilience and adaptability.

This approach aligns with ICAO’s vision to advance the sector, and he urged all member states and participants to engage in open dialogue that promotes the exchange of experiences, best practices, and practical solutions to support global facilitation frameworks.

The 4-day ICAO Facilitation Conference will feature numerous sessions covering key issues related to cooperation and coordination among relevant authorities in the field of facilitation.

Topics include cargo release clearance and automation processes, travel document integrity and border control, addressing inadmissible persons, deportees, refugees and stateless persons, combating human trafficking and irregular migration, assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families, capacity building and implementation support for states, and innovation in facilitation.

The conference will conclude with the announcement of the adoption of the 'Doha Declaration' on facilitation of international air transport.

An exhibition with the participation of various organisations and companies, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the latest procedures and technologies in air transport facilitation, is being held on the sidelines of FALC 2025.

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