Bahrain will keep managing air traffic in the airspace over international waters in the Arabian Gulf, extending from the borders of the UAE flight information region (FIR) to the borders of Kuwait FIR.
The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed announced Sunday that the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has decided this.
Bahrain has successfully managed the ICAO mandate since 1959, providing air traffic control services that garnered the approval of ICAO and the airlines that use the airspaces.
The establishment of the Doha FIR was approved to include the airspace over the land and water of Qatar.
This is in line with international laws which grant countries the right to exclusive sovereignty over airspace above their territories.
The Council stressed the continued importance of conducting the necessary technical studies to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.
It is in addition to regional compatibility, following any changes to air navigation plans.