Civil Aviation Regulation 2024

Guide for Investors and Businesses

Civil Aviation Aerodrome Regulations, 2024 (The Gambia)

This guide is intended for:

• Airport developers and operators;

• Infrastructure investors;

• Ground handling companies;

• Aviation service providers;

• Logistics operators;

• Fuel suppliers;

• Fixed-base operators (FBOs); and

• Public-private partnership investors in aviation infrastructure.

1. Regulatory Scope

Applicability of the Regulations

The Regulations apply to:

• Civil aerodromes intended for public use;

• Aerodromes used for international operations; and

• Ground handling service providers operating at aerodromes in The Gambia.

Business Implication

Any investor planning to own, develop, manage, expand or operate an aerodrome or provide aerodrome services must comply with the Regulations.

2. Aerodrome Development and Investment

Approval for Establishment and Development

Ministerial Approval

Before establishing or developing an aerodrome, approval from the Minister is required.

Design Submission Requirements

Investors must submit detailed technical information including:

• Aerodrome layouts;

• Meteorological data;

• Lighting plans;

• Pavement specifications;

• Markings; and

• Strength determinations.

Investor Considerations

Before project financing or land acquisition, investors should assess:

✅ Regulatory approval requirements

✅ Environmental impacts

✅ Airspace restrictions

✅ Obstacle limitations

✅ Infrastructure costs

✅ Certification requirements

3. Aerodrome Certification

Requirement for Certification

Aerodrome Certificate

No aerodrome intended for international or public use may operate without a valid Aerodrome Certificate.

Aerodrome Certificate Application

Documents Required

Applicants must submit:

• Aerodrome application;

• Aerodrome Manual;

• Safety Management System documentation;

• Obstacle charts;

• Environmental approvals;

• Security credentials;

• Insurance documentation; and

• Compliance statements.

Validity of Certificate

Aerodrome Certificates are valid for three years.

Renewal

Applications for renewal should be submitted at least 90 days before expiry.

4. Operator Responsibilities

Compliance Obligations

Aerodrome operators must comply with:

• Regulations;

• Certificate conditions; and

• Directions issued by the Authority.

Safety Responsibilities

Operators must ensure:

• Safe aerodrome operations;

• Obstacle management;

• Hazard identification;

• Regular inspections; and

• Prompt reporting of safety concerns.

Business Risk

Failure to manage operational risks may result in enforcement action, suspension or revocation of certificates.

5. Aerodrome Manual Requirements

Mandatory Manual

Every aerodrome operator must maintain an Aerodrome Manual covering:

Operational Information

• Aerodrome plans;

• Infrastructure;

• Operating procedures;

• Maintenance arrangements.

Safety Management

• Safety Management Systems (SMS);

• Risk management procedures;

• Incident reporting systems.

Emergency Planning

• Emergency response plans;

• Coordination arrangements;

• Emergency exercises.

Environmental Management

• Waste management;

• Pollution prevention;

• Spill response procedures.

6. Ground Handling Businesses

Ground Handling Certificate Requirement

No person or organisation may provide ground handling services without a Ground Handling Certificate.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Ground Handling Manual;

• Organisational structure;

• Safety systems;

• Government clearances;

• Insurance documentation; and

• Evidence of compliance.

Operational Requirements

Ground handling organisations must:

Maintain Safety Systems

• Operational safety procedures;

• Risk controls;

• Incident management arrangements.

Maintain Personnel Competence

• Initial training;

• Recurrent training;

• Competency records.

Perform Internal Audits

• Regular compliance reviews;

• Corrective action programmes.

7. Obstacle Limitation and Construction Projects

Approval for Structures

Permanent and temporary structures near aerodromes require approval from the Authority.

Marking and Lighting Requirements

Approved obstacles may be required to have:

• Aviation lighting;

• Warning lights;

• Markings; and

• Visibility enhancements.

Investor Implication

Developers of:

• Hotels;

• Office towers;

• Telecommunications infrastructure;

• Industrial facilities; and

• Logistics hubs

should assess aerodrome restrictions before commencing construction.

8. Environmental Requirements

Environmental Management Plan

Aerodrome operators must maintain an approved environmental management plan.

Areas Covered

• Waste disposal;

• Water management;

• Pollution control;

• Hazardous substances management;

• Environmental audits.

9. Wildlife Hazard Management

Wildlife Studies

Operators are required to conduct wildlife hazard assessments.

Wildlife Management Plans

Plans should address:

• Bird hazards;

• Wildlife incursions;

• Personnel training;

• Monitoring and review.

Business Impact

Investors in airport-adjacent developments should consider potential wildlife-attraction risks and mitigation obligations.

10. Technical and Operational Standards

Infrastructure Requirements

Operators must comply with standards relating to:

• Runways;

• Taxiways;

• Aprons;

• Lighting systems;

• Surface markings;

• Emergency planning.

Regulatory Inspections

The Authority may conduct:

Scheduled Inspections

Routine compliance inspections.

Unannounced Inspections

Surprise inspections where necessary.

Operator Obligation

Operators must provide unrestricted access to inspectors.

11. Financial Considerations

Recovery of Regulatory Costs

Costs associated with:

• Investigations;

• Certification;

• Approvals;

• Surveillance; and

• Inspections

may be recoverable from certificate holders.

Investor Planning

Investment models should account for:

✅ Regulatory fees

✅ Compliance costs

✅ Environmental compliance expenses

✅ Safety management costs

✅ Personnel training costs

12. Enforcement and Regulatory Risk

Suspension and Revocation

Certificates may be suspended or revoked where:

• Regulations are breached;

• Safety standards are inadequate; or

• Deficiencies remain unresolved.

Show Cause Process

Before suspension or revocation, operators are generally provided:

• Written notice;

• An opportunity to respond; and

• Time to address identified deficiencies.

Investor and Business Compliance Checklist

Activity                                                                           Requirement

1. Develop an aerodrome                                           Ministerial approval

2. Operate an aerodrome                                           Aerodrome Certificate

3. Provide ground handling services                           Ground Handling Certificate

4. Build structures near aerodromes                           Regulatory clearance

5. Operate airport facilities                                   Approved Safety Management System

6. Conduct airport operations                                   Approved Aerodrome Manual

7. Maintain environmental controls                         Environmental Management Plan

8. Conduct wildlife management                           Wildlife Hazard Programme

9. Operate continuously                                           Compliance inspections and audits

10. Maintain certification                                           Renewal at least 90 days before expiry

Key Investor Takeaway

For investors, the most important areas are aerodrome certification, infrastructure approvals, obstacle restrictions, environmental compliance, safety management systems, and regulatory inspection powers. These requirements should be evaluated at the earliest stage of project planning and due diligence to avoid costly delays or operational restrictions.