A new air transportation policy for the UAE

Through a partnership endorsed by the UAE Minister of Economy, C-BID is collaborating with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to support the liberalization of air service agreements—international treaties that regulate airline access to aviation markets. Some of these agreements restrict routes, weekly flights, and airline participation, limiting competition and market efficiency. When resources such as air traffic rights are scarce, how can the government allocate them efficiently across the many UAE-based airlines?

Our project aims to develop market-based mechanisms for the fair and efficient allocation of restricted air traffic rights. With the design of a comprehensive air policy framework, C-BID is helping GCAA transition toward a fully liberalized air market, ultimately boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and expanding opportunities for trade and tourism in the UAE.