Dubai is reviewing a plan to centralize air traffic control in the Gulf region in order to reduce congestion.  Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, HE Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, said a committee has been established to look into ongoing problems in the aerospace sector.  Under consideration is a plan to create a centralized air traffic control agency like the one in Europe.  He said “We have a committee working to solve the problems within the UAE first and then we are negotiating with neighboring GCC countries to have maybe five aerospace controls.”

Mr. Abdullah Ahli said studies show that air traffic in the region can be relieved if new airways are opened up.  He said different aviation authorities in the region must communicate in order to achieve these goals.  The issue of air traffic congestion is especially important to Dubai, because it accounts for almost three quarters of air traffic in the UAE.