2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Khaled Al Hameidi Doha The ICAO Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025) was officially inaugurated Sunday by Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani. The event, organised by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is patronised by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. In his welcome address, Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani emphasized the importance of hosting the 2025 ICAO Facilitation Conference at a time when the civil aviation industry is facing increasing challenges.
The conference, he said, serves as a pivotal platform for developing innovative and proactive solutions to drive a more efficient and sustainable global air transport system. Speaking on the significance of Doha hosting the event, the Minister noted that Qatar’s hosting of such a major conference highlights the country’s strong commitment to civil aviation as a cornerstone of economic growth and enhanced regional and global connectivity. Lauding Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways, the minister said that HIA, the winner of numerous world awards, is symbolic of the country’s commitment to providing a world-class infrastructure for an exceptional passenger experience, and Qatar Airways, named the world’s best airline for several years, embodies such a commitment in the form of offering an integrated travel experience based on latest traveler data systems that helped cut wait time, and improve security check procedures, in addition to being a main partner to global facilitation initiatives in association with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), thereby putting best universal practices in place.
The minister invited participants to take full advantage of this opportunity to deepen international cooperation and engage in productive discussions that lead to meaningful collaboration and impactful solutions for improving air transport facilitation and the traveler experience. He also invited ministers and senior officials to the High-Level Ministerial Segment, where a joint ministerial declaration will be announced. This declaration aims to promote a unified and comprehensive approach to air transport facilitation, support future initiatives, and ensure continued progress based on shared strategic principles.
In his address, Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Hajri, in charge of managing QCAA, welcomed all attendees to Doha. He emphasized Qatar’s emergence as a global aviation leader, driven not only by its advanced infrastructure but also by its intellectual leadership, active engagement in ICAO initiatives, and ongoing efforts to raise international standards in the sector. He emphasized the importance of the conference’s theme, stating: “It underscores the need for collaborative efforts to achieve efficiency, inclusivity, and resilience in the transport of passengers and cargo, ensuring smooth and secure global movement.
” He added: “This is not just an operational necessity but a key factor in strengthening the aviation sector’s role and its positive impact on the global economy”. Furthermore, he drew attention to the value of the conference sessions, which will focus on addressing vital topics for the development of air transport facilitation. He emphasized that fostering international cooperation is key to strengthening the global aviation system’s resilience and adaptability.
This approach aligns with ICAO’s vision to advance the sector, and he urged all member states and participants to engage in open dialogue that promotes the exchange of experiences, best practices, and practical solutions to support global facilitation frameworks. The conference will conclude with the announcement of the adoption of the Doha Declaration on Facilitation of International Air Transport. Accompanying the conference will be an exhibition featuring participation from various organizations and companies, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the latest procedures and technologies in air transport facilitation.
Copy 15/04/2025 10.
