GCAA set up a working group to face the volcanic ash crisis

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Omar Bin Ghalib Deputy Director General at the GCAA. The group members agreed to form a working group to review the situation and take remedial actions proactively in interest of aviation safety.

The working group would be headed by Mr. Ismaeil Al Balooshi Director of Aviation Safety at the GCAA and would watch the developments constantly. It would also liaise with the authorities in Europe /US and aircraft engine manufacturers. The working group consists of experts from the GCAA in areas of airworthiness, flight operations and air navigation services, metrological office and representatives from the airlines.

The working group will develop guidelines for the UAE airlines for operations in the affected areas by providing technical support for aircraft exposed to volcanic ash. Another important mandate for the working group is to look at the movement of the ash cloud in case it reaches UAE airspace and to provide timely guidelines for the UAE airlines. In this case the working group would take decisions for opening and closing of the UAE airspace and provide guidance for maintenance and operations of the UAE aircraft and other aircraft using the UAE airspace.

"We stress that is highly unlikely that the ash cloud will reach UAE airspace" said Omar Bin Ghaleb. "These plans are being drawn up as a contingency measures". He added.