The Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), headed by H.E. Eng. Khalid Cherkaoui, Director General of the Organization, participated in the Eighth Meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation in the Middle East, hosted by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Middle East Regional Office, from 26 to 28 October 2026. The meeting brought together directors general and senior officials from civil aviation authorities across the region, as well as representatives of a number of regional and international organizations concerned with civil aviation.
During the opening session, H.E. Eng. Khalid Cherkaoui delivered an address highlighting the importance of the meeting as a platform for exchanging views and strengthening coordination and cooperation among civil aviation authorities in the region, in a manner that serves the interests of participating States and enhances the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the civil aviation sector. At the outset of his address, H.E. expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the sisterly State of Qatar, represented by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, for hosting the meeting. He also commended the efforts of ICAO, through its Middle East Regional Office, in supporting the countries of the region and facilitating the implementation of joint strategies and programmes.
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Strengthening Regional Cooperation Amid Current Challenges
The Director General of ACAO emphasized that the meeting was taking place amid a complex regional environment and mounting challenges facing the civil aviation sector. These circumstances, he noted, make enhanced cooperation and coordination among the countries of the region an urgent necessity, particularly given the close interdependence between aviation security, the stability of air traffic, and the safety of passengers, personnel, and aviation-related facilities and infrastructure. In this context, H.E. referred to the attacks targeting airports in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the resulting risks to civil aviation safety, loss of life, and material damage. He reaffirmed the Organization’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the condemnation statement issued by the Presidency of ACAO’s General Assembly, and its support for the legitimate measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its territory, safeguard its security and the safety of its citizens and residents, and ensure the security of its vital facilities and infrastructure. He stressed that civil aviation security and the safety of passengers, personnel and aviation facilities must remain among the foremost shared priorities. He further underlined that protecting airports and civil aviation facilities against attacks is not solely a national responsibility, but is also linked to relevant international rules and obligations governing civil aviation, foremost among them the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). H.E. also called for enhanced information and expertise sharing, the development of coordination and emergency response mechanisms, and improved preparedness to address emerging risks and threats, including those targeting airport security, air navigation and cybersecurity.
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ACAO Reaffirms Its Commitment to Developing Arab Civil Aviation
Addressing the role of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, H.E. Eng. Khalid Al Cherkaoui reaffirmed ACAO’s commitment to continuing its efforts to strengthen cooperation among Arab States and consolidate its partnerships with ICAO and other relevant regional and international organizations. These efforts aim to ensure greater alignment of initiatives and activities, promote the exchange of expertise and best practices, and support the implementation of international standards, thereby contributing to a safe, sustainable civil aviation sector capable of keeping pace with rapid developments. He also highlighted the importance of moving beyond the adoption of decisions and recommendations towards translating them into practical programmes and implementable initiatives that respond to the needs of the countries of the region, strengthen their technical and institutional capacities, and deliver tangible results on the ground. In this regard, H.E. reiterated ACAO’s commitment to continuing its work with all partners in a spirit of shared responsibility and integration, with a view to enhancing civil aviation security and safety, supporting the sustainability of aviation operations, and developing air connectivity in ways that contribute to the economic and social development of Arab States and their peoples.
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Addressing Key Civil Aviation Issues and Challenges
The meeting addressed a range of priority issues relating to the development of the civil aviation sector, including global developments in aviation safety and air navigation, cybersecurity, environmental protection and sustainability, air transport facilitation, and ways to strengthen regional cooperation and support the implementation of joint programmes and initiatives. Discussions also covered developments in the Middle East Aviation Security Programme and challenges associated with unmanned aircraft systems. ACAO’s participation in the meeting reflects its commitment to strengthening its active presence in regional and international forums and intensifying coordination with civil aviation authorities and partner organizations. These efforts aim to unify approaches to addressing current challenges, enhance integration across the Arab civil aviation system, and contribute to establishing a safer, more secure and more sustainable aviation sector.
