1st phase of GCC's 'Single Entry Point for Air Travel' launched
Published: 09:02 AM,Feb 18,2026 | EDITED : 01:02 PM,Feb 18,2026
The ceremony took place at Bahrain International Airport, where Budaiwi reviewed the operational procedures for the first phase before traveling to Zayed International Airport to monitor the field implementation of the pilot project.
'This launch comes in implementation of the resolution passed by the GCC Ministers of Interior, at their 42nd meeting held in the State of Kuwait in November 2025.
This resolution underscored the importance of enhancing integration in travel procedures and developing security and technical connectivity systems among the GCC states,' Al Budaiwi said.
He noted that this Gulf project aims to facilitate the movement of GCC citizens and residents by enabling pre-registration for entry procedures at the departure airport.
'This allows for the advanced completion of passport control and security verification, ensuring a smoother and faster arrival experience,' he said.
Al Budaiwi said that this phase of the project embodies the advanced level of technical integration and institutional coordination between the competent authorities in the two brotherly countries.
He praised the significant efforts made to ensure the success of this trial, emphasising that the success of the first phase reflects the GCC states' ability to implement qualitative initiatives that strengthen joint Gulf action.
'In light of the results of this initial phase, the mechanism for implementing the project with the remaining GCC states will be studied according to each country's readiness.
This contributes to facilitating the movement of citizens and residents and enhancing the flow of traffic between Council states, achieving the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states in supporting the journey of Gulf integration,' he said.