An Amiri decree was issued on Sunday launching Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority to replace the Civil Aviation Directorate as an independent body that will have full control over the civil aviation sector and related affairs.

Chairman of the Authority Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Al-Sabah (photo) said the law is in line with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization and other related regional organizations. The new law was issued 65 years after issuing two civil aviation laws that regulate civil aviation and aviation accidents, he noted.

Sheikh Humoud added the new law will boost the independence of the civil aviation sector and keep pace with the best international practices in regulating and managing the civil aviation sector, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

The law will also enable the civil aviation sector to apply the highest international standards toward a safe and sustainable aviation sector, he said. Articles of the new law consider the Chicago Convention, the convention on international civil aviation, its annexes and amendments, and related international and regional agreements, as an integral part of the law.

Under the law, the Authority will have full control of all civil airports, landing of aircraft, civil aviation safety and other related affairs.

Sheikh Humoud said that the authority would be able to promote transparency and self-auditing to serve the national interests of Kuwait in international arenas and provide services to travelers, aviation companies, and all entities working at Kuwait International Airport.