Muscat, Oman - Today marked the successful conclusion of the 20th Meeting of the Regional Group for Air Navigation Planning and Implementation in the Middle East (MIDANPIRG-20) and the 10th Meeting of the Regional Group for Safety in the Middle East (RASG-MID10). The meetings, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman through the Civil Aviation Authority in coordination with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), spanned over four days and witnessed the participation of 150 experts and specialists from 15 countries worldwide, along with nine international organizations and specialized companies in the field of air navigation and safety.

The objective of these meetings was to further develop and implement the regional air navigation plan and initiatives to enhance safety in accordance with the Regional Safety Plan for the Middle East, aligned with the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Participants engaged in discussions on air navigation and safety performance reports, knowledge sharing, and experiences, addressing key issues and challenges faced by Middle Eastern countries and identifying appropriate scientific solutions.

Key highlights of the meetings included a review of the air traffic report for the Middle East in the previous year, which showcased success stories of the region in 2022. Additionally, regional air navigation plans, including new amendments and additions based on regional and global developments, were reviewed. Discussions also revolved around the regional network of air traffic service routes.

The meetings provided an opportunity to review the safety oversight report of the Regional Monitoring Agency for the Middle East and explore appropriate measures to enhance safety levels. Furthermore, the application of air traffic flow management to improve flight efficiency, including lessons learned from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was emphasized.

Other significant discussions encompassed the Civil Aviation Safety Regional Plan for the Middle East for the period 2023-2025, focusing on safety improvement initiatives, safety performance standards, and strategic safety management priorities specific to the Middle East region. National plans for civil aviation safety, national safety programs, as well as challenges and priorities at airports in the Middle East region, were also addressed.

The meetings concluded with several outcomes, including the signing of an agreement for the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority, to join as a participating member in the Regional Office for the Middle East FPP Procedures Program. Furthermore, the Regional Safety Plan for the Middle East 2023-2025 was adopted, along with the acceptance of the Regional Monitoring Agency's report on the minimum vertical separation between aircraft for the year 2022, and the endorsement of proposed resolutions and conclusions presented within the meeting papers.

An exhibition by sponsoring institutions accompanied the meetings, showcasing advanced technology and the latest innovations in aviation. Participants were also introduced to the tourism, historical, and cultural attractions that enrich the Sultanate of Oman.

It is worth mentioning that Oman has demonstrated its high efficiency and readiness to host international events continuously. This meeting marks the third international event hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority, during this year alone. In January, it hosted the third meeting of the Regional Group for Aviation Security and Facilitation in the Middle East, followed by the meeting of Legal Advisors for Civil Aviation in February, which received widespread praise for its warm reception and excellent organization.