In the framework of the ACAO ICAO MoU, and in consideration of the joint activity plan 2023-2025, ACAO supported ICAO MID in the organization of the Airports and Air Navigation Charges Workshop has been held at Doha, Qatar, 28-29 October 2024 which has been generously hosted by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Around 40 participants from states and 5 organizations (ACAO, ACI, CANSO, IATA & ICAO) attended the event. It was an opportunity to have a dynamic interactives session on the introduction of ICAO policies in the field of air transport as well as sharing the four key charging principles in order to encourage States to incorporate them in their regulations.

The agenda of the WS included important topics toward shaping the future of air transport in our region and beyond.

ICAO’s Policies in the Air Transport Field: ICAO’s work in standardizing regulations is the foundation upon which our industry thrives. These policies not only ensure safety and efficiency but also promote sustainable economic growth within aviation, looking forward to aligning our regional approach with ICAO’s broader objectives for a resilient and interconnected global network.

Airport & air navigation Charges and Economic Regulation in the Region: This is crucial, as we look closely at how different countries manage airport & air navigation charges to support sustainability and growth. Regional variations in regulation present challenges. Economic regulation here plays a role in ensuring that charges are fair, transparent, and effectively reinvested into infrastructure, balancing the needs of providers and users alike.

Economic Oversight on Airports and Air Navigation Services: With the aviation industry’s rapid growth in the post pandemic Era, economic oversight has become essential in ensuring that infrastructure development meets the demands of airlines, passengers, and other stakeholders. Economic oversight is about more than just maintaining Economic viability, it is about delivering value while safeguarding fair access and promoting innovation.

Methodology for Setting User Charges, Challenges and Best Practices: Establishing charges that are both reasonable and supportive of quality service delivery is complex, involving numerous factors such as capital costs, demand projections, and performance scheme.

In conclusion, the insights and discussions that arose over these sessions were not only valuable—they have been essential. At the end of the workshop, as outcomes, attendees agreed on the challenged faced and Recommendations that would support confront them, willing to ensure a well-regulated, and resilient air transport sector for the future. Most important conclusions are as follows:

• States are encouraged to implement effective economic regulation and oversight and ICAO’s policies on charges, incorporating into their regulations the four key charging principles, i.e. non-discrimination, cost-relatedness, transparency and consultation with users.
• States are strongly encouraged to provide response to the upcoming ICAO’s survey on implementation of ICAO’s policies on charges and indicate difficulties/challenges faced in the implementation.
• States should promote consultation between airports/ANSPs and airlines in setting charges, as well as transparency in sharing information for meaningful and effective consultation.
• ICAO to conduct a more comprehensive survey on implementation of ICAO’s policies on charges by States, and in coordination with ACAO, to seek ways to enhance response rate from their member States.
• ICAO and partners in the Region should continue cooperation in the provision of a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices among States and stakeholders, and discussing implementation challenges and subjects of interest.