The Middle East is witnessing a phenomenal growth of air traffic due to increasing levels of traffic being diverted to this region, causing pressure on the air traffic control operations.

With around 80% of Middle Eastern airspace being restricted for military use, air corridors are becoming busier, thus putting pressure on regional authorities to increase the capacity and efficiency of air traffic operations. The region is already experiencing flight and landing delays due to the amount of traffic.
Middle Eastern airlines saw a 16.8% surge in passengers in July this year compared to figures in the same period last year, accoridng to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
To cope with the growth, regional airlines are increasing their fleets. Airports are not far behind either, with new projects such as Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport, which is already operating flights, and Abu Dhabi's announced construction of a $7 billion international airport to help meet traffic demands in the Emirate. Air traffic control operators and authorities are having to match this growth by either increasing the capacity of the region's corridors, or the efficiency of how they are used.
The Director Generals of UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Saudi's Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), and Oman's Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority will join the 2nd Annual Air Traffic Control Optimisation Summit (1-2 November 2010, Trader's Hotel, Dubai) in order to map out the best way forward in achieving this more efficient re-design of regional airspace.
The Summit will explore how the region's air traffic control authorities and operators are working together with airlines and military establishments to increase the capacity and efficiency of the region's air traffic corridors.

Source: TradeArabia