Achieving a balance between the continuity of vital operations and the safety of civil aviation
Iranian aggression has a direct and tangible impact on the air operating environment in the region
Air traffic is managed according to strict controls, limited capacities and pre-determined routes
Operational decisions are built on thoughtful professional foundations that put safety first
Mr. Mohammed bin Faleh Al-Hajri, who is in charge of managing the work of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, confirmed that securing the Qatari airspace is achieved through a multi-layered system that includes advanced radar systems, continuous coverage of the airspace, real-time tracking of all flights, and the application of precise standards for separation and spacing between aircraft, in addition to direct coordination with military authorities, linking with joint operations centers and sharing flight plans in advance, which constitutes an integrated system that guarantees the highest levels of security and safety.
Al Hajri stressed that the situation in the civil aviation sector in the State of Qatar is under full operational control, and is being managed according to the highest standards of safety and efficiency, despite the challenges imposed by recent regional developments.
He stressed that emergency plans have been activated in various sectors of civil aviation, as in the field of aviation security, emergency contact points were activated around the clock, evacuation plans were made, entry points to airport facilities were reduced, and the number of employees was reduced to a minimum to avoid any operational confusion, while in the field of air safety, approved plans were implemented to ensure the continuity of vital operations and enhance coordination between the concerned authorities.
Al-Hajri said in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) that dealing with regional developments took place according to a gradual approach based on risk assessment, leading to partial resumption via precautionary air routes and a limited operational capacity, and in full coordination with the armed forces, which reflects the state’s keenness to achieve a balance between the continuity of vital operations and aviation safety, and to benefit from previous experiences in managing similar crises.
He explained that the Iranian aggression had a direct and tangible impact on the air operating environment in the region, including the Qatari airspace, where risk levels rose in an unprecedented manner, as a result of complex air threats resulting from drones and missiles, in addition to fragments resulting from interceptions by air defense systems, which may pose a direct or indirect danger to civil aviation, as well as other operational risks, such as misidentification of aircraft or interference with prohibited or dangerous areas.
He pointed out that the Qatari airspace was treated as a highly sensitive operational environment, as the airspace was precautionarily closed at the beginning of the crisis, then partially opened on the seventh of this March, with strict precautionary measures being taken to ensure that air operations take place only within approved air corridors and under close supervision, and in full coordination with the relevant authorities in the country.
He stated that this stage included the operation of a limited number of flights designated for the evacuation of passengers, in addition to the operation of air cargo flights, while allowing the gradual increase in civil aviation traffic to ensure the continued provision of necessary air services.
He added that the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Qatar Airways, in coordination with various relevant national authorities, have implemented an integrated series of measures to secure the travel of stranded passengers, and operate air cargo flights to ensure the continuity of supply chains and provide the country’s basic needs, while maintaining the efficiency and safety of air operations.
He stressed that the situation in the civil aviation sector in the State of Qatar is under full operational control, as air traffic is currently managed according to strict controls, limited capacities and pre-determined routes, which reflects an approach based on risk management, stressing that all operational decisions are built on thoughtful professional foundations that put operational safety in the first place.
He also pointed out that the Authority has faced, since the beginning of the crisis, a number of challenges in various fields, as the most prominent challenges in the field of air navigation were dealing immediately with the sudden closure of airspace, managing aircraft in the surrounding airspace, and ensuring the continuity of vital services such as evacuation flights and air cargo, in addition to managing a rapidly changing and highly security-sensitive operational environment, and maintaining operational, technical and human readiness around the clock, indicating that dealing with these challenges was done by taking advantage of accumulated expertise and previous experiences in crisis management, which contributed to the speed and effectiveness of the response. Procedures.
He stated that field procedures were implemented at the airport, which included moving aircraft to safe locations, repositioning fire engines, and suspending construction on the eastern runway, in addition to issuing an emergency planning notice to direct employees and travelers to safe areas inside the passenger terminal when needed.
Regarding civil aviation security, Mr. Mohammed bin Faleh Al-Hajri, who is in charge of managing the work of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said that the Authority has strengthened security measures by activating communication channels around the clock, increasing inspections and patrols, and dealing with potential risks such as falling debris, in addition to sharing a regional regulatory document with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the countries of the region on airport security management during conflicts, as well as following up and analyzing information received from civil aviation authorities in neighboring countries and international organizations to assess risks and issue the necessary directives.