The Middle East Business Aviation Association’s founding chairman, Ali Al Naqbi, is calling on UAE-based business aircraft operators to support the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s push to move business aviation operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum Airport/Dubai World Central (DWC). He cited slot shortages and timing restrictions that make life increasingly untenable at DXB, a situation that will be exacerbated in May when the airfield partially closes for a three-month-long runway rehabilitation project.

Al Naqbi told AIN that four FBOs are now open at DWC: DC Aviation-Al Futtaim, Jet Aviation, Jetex and ExecuJet. “They have started moving most of the business aviation and private flights to DWC. When the runways close in May, they will not allow any business aviation flights at DXB,” he said. Jet Aviation’s maintenance facility at Dubai International, however, has secured enough slots to continue servicing business aircraft there while the runway rehabilitation project is under way.

“I don’t think they will lift this restriction after July because most of the FBOs will be moving to DWC. It’s a better venue, and it’s not that far from town,” Al Naqbi said. “Business aircraft operations are about flying on demand. At DXB today, we have to take slots and then wait for approval. At DWC, there are no slot restrictions so you can fly any time you want.”