United Arab Emirates Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
- Website: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae
- Contact: GCAA HQ, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 4 777 1777 | Toll-free: 800 4466 | Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA): https://www.dcaa.gov.ae | Abu Dhabi DCA: https://www.dcaa.abudhabi.ae | Sharjah: permits processed via GCAA
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private flights require GCAA authorization. Handlers typically arrange permits within 24-48h.
Non-scheduled require GCAA permit, 3 business days. Apply via UAE FIR approval system.
Bilateral agreements. Major hubs (DXB, AUH) have extensive connectivity.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: GCAA Air Transport Department
- Lead Time: 48 working hours
- Validity: +/- 24 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; route navigation charges apply
Mandatory for all foreign-registered aircraft. The permit confirms no political/security objections and no outstanding ATC navigation fees. Provide: operator name, aircraft type/registration, flight schedule, entry/exit points, crew/pax count.
1. Submit overflight request to GCAA Air Transport Department at least 48 working hours before departure 2. Provide: operator name, aircraft type & registration, flight schedule with entry/exit points, crew & passenger count, purpose of flight 3. No aircraft documents required for overflight-only 4. No CAA processing fees 5. Permit issued via GCAA system; include permit number in flight plan
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: GCAA (federal) / DCAA (Dubai) / ADCA (Abu Dhabi)
- Lead Time: 3 business days (recommended); minimum 48 working hours
- Validity: +/- 24 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; standard landing/parking fees apply per airport
Required for ALL non-UAE-registered aircraft (private and charter). Dubai operations: DCAA issues specific Dubai landing permits. Abu Dhabi: separate DCA coordination may be required. Sharjah/Northern Emirates: GCAA processes permits directly. Airport slots required at DXB, DWC, AUH, SHJ. Handler appointment is mandatory at all airports.
1. Engage a local ground handler (mandatory at all UAE airports) 2. Handler submits landing permit request to GCAA (and DCAA for Dubai) at least 48 working hours (3 business days recommended) before arrival 3. Provide: aircraft registration, airworthiness certificate, insurance certificate, AOC (charter only), noise certificate, crew licenses, full passenger manifest, flight schedule 4. Obtain airport slot from relevant slot coordinator 5. For Dubai: DCAA issues Dubai-specific landing permit 6. For Abu Dhabi: coordinate with Abu Dhabi DCA 7. No government processing fees; pay standard landing/parking fees 8. Permit valid +/- 24 hours; revisions required for schedule changes beyond validity window
Cabotage
No
General Remarks
UAE has a split authority structure: GCAA (federal), DCAA (Dubai), Abu Dhabi DCA. Most business aviation uses Al Maktoum (DWC) or Abu Dhabi (AUH). Sharjah (SHJ) also popular for bizav. No Israeli flight restrictions. Cabotage (domestic commercial flights by foreign operators) is prohibited.