By Akram Medhat
The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority affirmed that it is committed to its decision issued on June 5 this month banning all Qatari airlines and aircraft registered in the State of Qatar from landing at airports in the Arab Republic of Egypt or crossing its sovereign airspace.
The authority explained that the decision does not include airlines and aircraft not registered in either country that wish to cross Egyptian airspace to and from Qatar. Non-Qatari private aircraft and charter flights crossing Egyptian airspace to and from the State of Qatar must submit a prior request to the Central Administration of Air Transport at the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority at least 24 hours in advance.
The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority also renewed its full commitment to the articles and provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation ("Chicago 1944") and other relevant agreements, in a way that ensures aviation safety and the continued smooth flow of international air traffic over the airspace of the Arab Republic of Egypt. At the same time, Egypt retains its sovereign right, guaranteed by international law, to take any precautionary measures to protect its national security if necessary.
The authority said it is committed to international resolutions on combating terrorism and aviation security, foremost among them Security Council Resolution 2309, adopted by the Security Council at its 7775th meeting held on September 22, 2016, in which the Security Council expressed its commitment to the sovereignty of all states, including over the airspace above their territory, and to their territorial integrity and political independence, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. It noted that civil aviation may be used as a means of transport for foreign terrorist fighters, and observed in this regard that Annex 9 "Facilitation" to the Chicago Convention contains relevant standards and recommended practices for detecting and preventing terrorist threats related to civil aviation.
The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority stressed that it will exercise its right to impose further measures that would ensure the security and safety of its sovereign airspace from any threat or risk, in accordance with the laws and agreements regulating air navigation over its airspace.
Read also:
Breaking: Flights Between Egypt and Qatar Suspended and Airspace Closed to Qatari Aircraft
EgyptAir Suspends Flights to Doha Until Further Notice, With Last Two Flights Departing Today
Cairo Airport Empty of Doha Flights After Qatar Airways and EgyptAir Halt Services
