UAE Bans 10 Countries, 30 Operators from Using Airspace

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has banned 10 countries and 30 operators from using UAE air space over a lack of commitment to safety, "Emarat Al Youm" reports.

Meanwhile, the authority confirmed that it had carried out more than 300 inspections under "the national programme for safety assessment of foreign aircraft".

The body asserted that such lists remain valid until the commitment to standards imposed by the GCAA concerning safety requirements is met.

Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the board reviewed and updated the list, based on inspections conducted by the aviation safety team on each aircraft, around the clock.

Ismail Al Baluchi, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety at the GCAA said the objective of the national programme for the safety assessment of foreign aircraft is to ensure the safety of people living near airports and passengers on board aircraft.

He added: "As well as to ensure the application of the laws of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to limit the work of companies operating in a high-risk in the country."

The GCAA has not made the list of countries and operators banned public.