Doha: The ICAO Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025), hosted by the State of Qatar and organized by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held a high-level session on Monday discussing ways to facilitate the future of air transport amid rising global passenger and cargo traffic.
According to Qatar News Agency, speakers at the session, chaired by Director of ICAO’s Air Transport Bureau, Dr. Mohamed Khalifa Rahma, emphasized that passenger traffic is expected to double at an unprecedented rate in the coming years, which necessitates significant investment in the facilitation sector and improvements in service quality to keep pace.
Participants stressed that the future of air travel will be primarily digital, with a focus on digital identity as a top priority. This requires effective partnerships between governments and airlines to create a paperless travel experience and ensure the seamless and secure exchange of information. They noted that ICAO’s role is to establish global standards for data exchange to enhance sector efficiency.
They also highlighted the need to maximize the use of airline resources, adopt the latest technologies, and streamline operations to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
They noted that the aviation sector is facing a critical phase, marked by the complexities of travel and sustainability challenges. Following over 10 percent increase in air transport in 2024, there is a pressing need for enhanced cooperation between government agencies and supply chain partners, infrastructure development, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as electronic gates and biometric identification to improve passenger experience and cargo efficiency.
The importance of investing in human capital through training and incentive programs was also emphasized, along with simplifying aviation and supply chain operations to build a more sustainable aviation sector.
In this context, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to ICAO Essa Abdullah Al Maliki highlighted the significant challenges facing the air transport sector. He pointed out that the number of passengers is expected to reach 12.4 billion by 2050, requiring strategic and practical steps to keep pace with this rapid growth.
He explained that Qatar was among the first countries to adopt ICAO recommendations, which has positively impacted the needs of citizens and enhanced the travel experience. He stressed the importance of relying on digital systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and adopting technology and artificial intelligence at airports.
Al Maliki stressed that there is a unique opportunity to shape the future of air navigation and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure a more efficient and enjoyable aviation sector, adding that this week’s Doha Declaration reflects this shared commitment.
The first day of the conference featured several discussions on cooperation and coordination among agencies, as well as the automation of air cargo clearance processes.
The conference will be held over four days this year under the theme: “Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Cooperation, Efficiency, and Inclusivity.” It follows ICAO’s designation of 2024 as the “Year of Facilitation,” giving the conference special significance as a starting point for a more advanced and responsive future for air travel.
The ICAO Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025) serves as an important international platform to showcase the latest developments in air transport facilitation and strengthen cooperation among nations and stakeholders to develop a global strategy that helps the aviation sector adapt to rapid changes.