Gibraltar: Civil Aviation Framework: Key developments and what lies ahead.

The commencement in full of the Civil Aviation Authority Act 2024, and the partial commencement of the Civil Aviation Act 2024 last year, marked the starting point for substantive changes to Gibraltar’s civil aviation regulatory framework.

One of the key developments arising from the Civil Aviation Authority Act 2024 was the establishment of Gibraltar's new Civil Aviation Authority. The Act also laid the groundwork for the Authority to maintain certain aviation registers, including the Gibraltar Aircraft Register, which has already attracted considerable interest from the aviation industry.

The partial commencement of the Civil Aviation Act 2024 last year was equally significant and should be viewed within the broader context of the jurisdiction's commitment to the continued alignment of its civil aviation framework with international standards. Section 34, the only provision of that Act commenced at that stage, empowers the Director General to create operating regulations for civil aviation in accordance with the Annexes to the ICAO Convention for which the Authority is responsible. These powers enable the jurisdiction to respond swiftly to developments, ensuring its aviation standards remain aligned with international regulations and best practices.

The 1st February 2026 has marked another significant milestone in the development of Gibraltar's civil aviation framework. On that date, the Civil Aviation Act 2024 commenced in full, alongside a comprehensive suite of new Operating Regulations. The remaining provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 2009 were also repealed, together with the revocation of several regulations made under it.

These changes consolidate and modernise Gibraltar's regulatory framework under the auspices of the newly established Civil Aviation Authority. As the jurisdiction's aviation sector continues to evolve, these legislative developments position Gibraltar as an increasingly attractive option for aircraft registration and related aviation activities.