Dubai is prepared to help countries in the region with their air traffic navigation and redesign the airspace as part of its policy, a senior official has said.

Speaking at the 2016 World Government Summit, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (photo), Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, said redesigning of airspace is good for “cost and efficiency”, according to UAE’s news agency WAM.

“If we manage our airspace, it is in the best interest I think. We can save another 12 per cent from our cost. Many aircraft are going round and round and circling for almost half an hour or so. That shouldn’t be the case. But for the Middle East to open up more airspace, “it is always up to governments,” he said.

“We are working to redesign the airspace of the UAE. I must say, on a military side, they’ve been very helpful. Also, this problem doesn’t exist only within the UAE. You always have to look at your neighbor. Do they have the capacity to manage aircraft pushed on them?” he questioned.

“It’s a business case at the end of the day. We, of course, will help neighbors with their air traffic system problems if need arises,” he added.

Stakeholders in the Middle East’s aviation industry have long complained about the restrictive structure of the region’s airspace. However, little steps have been taken in resolving the issue.