Kuwait’s skies soar: Independent civil aviation authority ready for takeoff

The Fatwa and Legislation Department has finalized drafting the Civil Aviation Law, shaping the framework for the creation of the “General Civil Aviation Authority.”This new independent body is set to operate on economic principles, marking a significant milestone in fulfilling the legislative objectives outlined in the government’s seventeenth-term work plan.

The explanatory memorandum, reviewed by Al-Qabasnewspaper, emphasizes the significance of enacting this law in alignment with the evolving global civil aviation systems. These developments underscore the necessity of implementing legislation to regulate various aspects of this critical sector within the country.

Despite the issuance of legislation regulating navigation movement in Kuwait in recent years, it has failed to address the legislative gap in civil aviation. This is attributed to the significant developments and rapid technological advancements occurring in the international civil aviation sector.

The “authority” aims to promote and develop the civil aviation and air transport sector. It will be responsible for managing, monitoring, securing, and ensuring the safety of airports and civil aircraft, as well as regulating air traffic and services. Furthermore, it will implement all related systems in accordance with the provisions of international and regional agreements, as well as applicable laws.

To realize its goals, the ‘General Civil Aviation Authority’ is empowered to undertake various actions.

• The authority is responsible for establishing, specifying types, operating, managing, and maintaining civil airports. Additionally, it has the authority to enter into contracts and issue necessary licenses to facilitate these
• Design, oversee, and maintain all navigation equipment and systems, encompassing various types of radars, navigation aids, voice and data communications infrastructure, meteorological services, air and ground traffic management systems, and associated simulation systems.
• Ensure the safety and regulation of civil aircraft movement, whether on the ground, within airport airspace, or within the state’s airspace or internationally committed areas. Additionally, it will coordinate with relevant authorities to organize the movement of military aircraft.
• Implement all necessary preventive measures to uphold security and prevent the perpetration of acts and crimes against civil aviation security and safety within the country, in accordance with relevant international standards.
• Take the necessary measures to conclude, implement, and participate in international, regional, and bilateral pacts in the field of civil aviation. Additionally, represent the state in international and regional civil aviation organizations during conferences and forums related to this field
• Issue flight licenses within the state’s airspace and establish their conditions.
• Organize and oversee commercial air transport activities within the state.
• Oversee civil aircraft safety and navigation aids within the state, ensuring compliance with the provisions outlined in the Chicago Convention and its Annexes.