The success of the civil aviation sector in fully preparing for the requirements of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, has been affirmed by Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri, in charge of managing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

He also pointed out that the country was able to confirm its prestigious position in the world of aviation, through its presence in all international forums related to the civil aviation sector.

Al Hajri indicated that important and comprehensive development plans for the Qatari airspace were implemented after Qatar won the bid to host the FIFA World Cup. This included the arrangements to handle the large expected travel movements. He also noted the increase in departure and arrival routes, the modernisation of all air navigation systems and technologies, and the intensive training of the workforce.

He said that it is expected that the capacity of Hamad International Airport (HIA) after the completion of the expansion project, will reach 58 million passengers annually. The project came in line with the operational intensity requirements during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

All procedures related to providing the best air navigation services during the World Cup period to ensure smooth aircraft movement in accordance with the highest security and safety standards for all flights during this event, had been approved well in time, he said. More than 6,000 aircraft movements were recorded in the first week of the tournament, he added.

He noted that weather and climate data are being provided to fans and concerned parties through 46 meteorology stations, including eight at the World Cup stadiums. All of them are equipped with the state-of-the-art technologies.

Regarding support for the expansion plans of Qatar Airways, Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri said that the Authority has already signed a number of air transport agreements and plans to sign more to enhance the march of the State of Qatar’s air transport sector. This is meant to support the operational network of Qatar Airways as well as its efforts to fly to all important tourist spots, and also to expand its network of destinations.

About the Authority’s efforts to support the development of civil aviation in developing countries, Al Hajri stressed that the State of Qatar has contributed in this field with a package of initiatives, the most important of which was Qatar’s contribution of $1 million to ICAO’s campaign “No Country Left Behind”. He also reminded about the “Qatar-African Cooperation Programme” in the field of human resources development for civil aviation in the African continent, which aims to raise the efficiency of human resources in the African continent and consolidate frameworks of cooperation with civil aviation authorities in African countries.

He also referred to the contribution of $100,000 to the ICAO initiative related to training courses for gender equality in the field of civil aviation, to train female cadres in least developed countries.

Regarding Qatar winning the membership of the ICAO Council, Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri, in charge of managing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said that it was a historic achievement, which follows a series of other great achievements made by the civil aviation system in the State of Qatar. It also represents an affirmation of the pivotal role played by the State of Qatar in the field of civil aviation industry worldwide and its contributions in this field.

He stressed Qatar’s constant keenness to fulfil its obligations towards the International Civil Aviation Organisation, participate actively in all the initiatives it launched to advance the international civil aviation sector and strengthen the aviation system in other countries, and strive towards achieving any cooperation that would contribute to reaching a high and developed level of international civil aviation.

The establishment of the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) is also considered the beginning of a new and very important phase for the local civil aviation industry, he said. It will benefit the local civil aviation industry greatly and in many ways like addition of new air routes, increased capacity of the aircraft waiting area in the air, increased search and rescue area in accordance with the FIR’s new dimensions besides other benefits. These in turn, will reflect positively on the regional aviation sector and further enhance air safety by improving the operational efficiency in the entire region, he said.

Its strategic location has made the State of Qatar a major centre for global transit movement, he said, attracting major international airlines. Having the best airport in the world according to Skytrax ratings is an added attraction.

On cooperation between the Authority and ICAO, he indicated that there is a strategic partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation through joint work and exchange of experiences in all fields. The State of Qatar continues its permanent support for the plans and programmes of the organisation to help it achieve its goals including those on a sustainable future for the aviation sector.

He pointed out that State of Qatar had signed 174 air transport agreements with various countries of the world, a number of them recently on the sidelines of the ICAO Council’s meetings, such as the final agreement with Seychelles, and the final agreement with Suriname and Barbados in the Caribbean. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed with the Dominican Republic in air cargo flights between the two countries, he added.

On the comprehensive air transport agreement with the European Union, he praised the agreement, as it opens promising future horizons for cooperation and partnerships in the fields of aviation, and also guarantees increased travel between the State of Qatar and the European Union countries.

One of the most important achievements of this agreement is that it has paved the way for increased operations to major cities in Europe. It has also secured many gains for Qatar Airways. At the same time, this agreement provides the opportunity for any carrier from the European Union to operate flights to Doha. This reflects positively on the travel sector and creates various options for the consumer by providing a large number of flights to various European destinations, he added.

Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri stressed that the agreement contributes to enhancing the process of trade, economic and cultural exchange with Europe, increasing the rates of air freight traffic and advancing the operational business of travel and tourism offices as well as air freight offices.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority – Qatar