JEDDAH — The four Arab states that cut ties with Qatar said on Sunday they would allow Qatari planes to use air corridors in emergencies.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the allocation of emergency air corridors by the four Arab countries after approval by civil aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain for use by Qatari companies as applicable in cases of closure of regional airspaces.
In a statement today, GACA said, "This procedure confirms our commitment to the safety of international air navigation. It is customary in such circumstances that the authorities reach an agreement on alternative emergency air traffic corridors on high seas under our management so as to facilitate navigation and support air safety. This measure is being implemented under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that coordinates and administers such agreements."
With its air space drastically compromised, Qatar asked ICAO for a special meeting — which is scheduled for Monday — to discuss the issue.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Sunday cited a statement from GACA as saying that they had already agreed on emergency air corridors, which were identified under ICAO supervision, and that they would be open from Aug. 1.
"Nine corridors have been identified including one in international air space over the Mediterranean Sea that will be monitored by the Egyptian authorities," SPA said.
The use of these corridors will come into effect on Aug. 1, 2017. A navigation announcement has been made for international pilots confirming this. The same has been done with the rest of the corridors, which were approved in the Arabian Gulf Region.
The statement confirmed that this measure comes within the sphere of GACA’s endeavor to protect the safety and security of airspace and implement the Kingdom’s decision to cut off diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar including barring Qatar Airways from using the Kingdom’s airspace. — SPA
