GCAA

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is the federal authority of the United Arab Emirates responsible for the regulation of civil aviation. Its jurisdiction encompasses all UAE airspace, crew licensing, aerodrome certification, and the oversight of aviation safety and security. The GCAA serves as the supreme regulatory body, establishing the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs), which govern everything from the commercial operations of airlines like Emirates and Etihad to the regulation of drones and emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

In the United Arab Emirates, each airline sets the baggage allowance and fees for each fare:

• Price: before paying, check the total price and what the fare includes.
• Checked baggage: there is no free allowance required by law; check the baggage policy when booking.
• Prohibited items: lithium batteries, power banks and dangerous goods follow ICAO standards and each airline's rules.

Bringing animals into the UAE is controlled by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE); transport rules are set by each airline:

• Cabin: it depends on the airline. Etihad accepts cats and dogs of up to 8 kg (including the carrier) in the cabin, for a fee and with advance booking; others carry animals only in the hold, except assistance dogs.
• Documents: microchip, rabies vaccination (with an antibody test for animals from risk countries) and an official health certificate from the country of origin; an import permit from MOCCAE is required before travel.
• Restrictions: some dog breeds are banned in the country, and many airlines do not accept brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, especially in the heat.

• Seats: ask for seats together when booking; whether seat selection is charged depends on the airline and the fare.
• Equipment: Strollers and car seats (certified for aviation use) are permitted as free extra items on most tickets but must be checked at the gate or stowed according to size.
• Airports: the major UAE airports have facilities for families (play areas, baby-changing rooms and special assistance); check the airport's website.

The GCAA requires all operators to ensure compliance with accessibility standards:

• Assistance (PRM): Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance from check-in to their seat. Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
• MEDIF (Medical Information Form): Mandatory for passengers requiring in-flight medical support, supplemental oxygen, or stretchers. The form must be evaluated by the airline’s medical team.
• Priority: the major UAE airports give priority in queues to people with disabilities (called "people of determination" in the country); request assistance from the airline in advance.

• GCAA Official Portal (Civil Aviation Regulations): https://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/epublication/
• GCAA Air Passenger Rights Guidelines: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/epublication/EPublications/Civil%20Aviation%20Regulations%20%28CARs%29/CAR%20III%20-%20GENERAL%20REGULATIONS/CAR-PWP%20-%20PASSENGER%20WELFARE%20PROGRAM%20-%20ISSUE%2002.pdf
• GCAA Aviation Security & Regulations: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/epublication/EPublications/Civil%20Aviation%20Regulations%20%28CARs%29/CAR%20VII%20-%20AVIATION%20SECURITY%20REGULATIONS/1816-CAR%20Part%20VII-Ed05-May-2025.pdf
• Pet Importation (MOCCAE UAE): https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/services/import-permit-pets
• GCAA Contact & Support: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/pages/contactus.aspx