Operational agreements signed to activate Doha Flight Information Region from Sept 8

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) on Wednesday signed operational agreements with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE for activating the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) and connecting it with the FIRs of these countries.

Qatar had in April signed a similar agreement with Iran. With yesterday's development, the signing of agreements with all the stakeholders for activation of theDoha FIR’s operational processes, which will begin on September 8, is now complete, the Ministry of Transport said in a statement.This comes in the context of executing the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council’s historic decision, made during the council’s 10th meeting at its 225th session held in March, to establish the Doha FIR, after more than five years of deliberations.

Since that decision was made, Qatar has been in communication with stakeholders in the all countries and held several meetings with neighbouring countries for co-ordination purposes to enhance co-operation and activate the Doha FIR by signing bilateral agreements to regulate operational processes and connect the Doha FIR with its counterparts in these countries.HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti praised the efforts made by all parties to signing these agreements, asserting that Qatar is ready for the Doha FIR activation, in addition to adding new air routes and increasing the capacity of both the aircraft holding area and search and rescue area in line with the Doha FIR’s new dimensions. This, in turn, will help keep pace with the development and achievements that Qatar’s civil aviation undergoes.He added that Qatar’s civil aviation industry has significantly progressed in terms of modernising its air navigation systems in step with the latest universal specifications, thus fulfilling the country’s air traffic requirements and showcasing an outstanding level of services.HE al-Sulaiti asserted that Qatar and brotherly and friendly neighbouring countries have the best world aviation systems.