In a significant stride towards strengthening international cooperation in the field of aviation security and contributing to the formulation of global policies to ensure the security and safety of the civil aviation industry worldwide, the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority, hosted the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Civil Aviation Security. This meeting, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), was held in conjunction with ICAO Security Week 2024 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center.

The meeting was attended by 800 ministers and government officials, presidents of civil aviation authorities, international and regional organizations, experts, and specialists from airlines, airports, and companies specializing in security. The primary objective was to endorse the Muscat Declaration on Aviation Security and Cyber Security in Aviation. The Declaration addresses critical security issues in aviation, such as cybersecurity and the protection of vital aviation infrastructure. This Declaration marks a crucial step in establishing global aviation security priorities in preparation for the forty-second session of the ICAO General Assembly scheduled for September next year.

Key Topics Discussed

The meeting addressed several vital topics:

Aviation Security in Light of Global Crises: Discussing the impact of crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on airport security procedures and integrating health measures with security protocols.

Cybersecurity: Protecting aviation technical systems from cyberattacks and setting international standards to mitigate these threats.

Intelligence Cooperation: Enhancing information exchange between countries on security threats through the establishment of regional and international centers to coordinate efforts.

Innovation in Security Technologies: Highlighting the role of artificial intelligence and biometric analysis in improving the efficiency of security systems at airports and on aircraft.

His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Mawali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized: "The Government of the Sultanate of Oman pays great attention to the civil aviation sector within the Oman Vision 2040, aiming to develop the transport and logistics sector as a key source of national income." He highlighted that Oman achieved 96% in the ICAO Air Safety Compliance Index, ranking fifth globally, a remarkable improvement from 134th place three years ago.

During his speech, His Excellency Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the Board of Directors of ICAO, stressed the need for continuous innovation and development to address existing and emerging threats. He reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing aviation, cybersecurity, and global cooperation in protecting critical infrastructure.

His Excellency Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO, stated that the week and the adoption of the Muscat Declaration represent a pivotal moment in the journey of aviation security. He noted that ICAO Member States have reaffirmed their strong and ongoing commitment to ensuring the security and safety of civil aviation globally. His Excellency underscored the importance of international cooperation in facing growing security threats and emphasized the need for ongoing enhancements in aviation security and sustainability.

Strategic Importance of the Ministerial Segment

The Ministerial Segment served as a crucial strategic platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the global civil aviation sector. It presented a golden opportunity for the Sultanate of Oman to showcase its achievements in aviation security, particularly in training and qualification, supported by Omani expertise accredited by ICAO. This event also solidified Oman's position as an international partner in promoting and supporting civil aviation security globally.