Document Information
Document Control Details
| Type | Procedure |
| Revision | 01/2025 |
| Effective Date | 17 JUL 2025 |
| Prepared by | Suprojit Paul - ACCARB3 & Shahzin Shajid - ACCARB31 |
| Approved by | Chris Marriott - ACCARB1 |
| Next review date | 17 JUL 2026 |
| Cancelled documents | SOP OMDB R05/2021 |
Record of Revisions
| Revision Number | Notes | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| 01/2019 | Initial issue | 26 SEP 2019 |
| 02/2019 | Updated relief callsigns | 01 NOV 2019 |
| 03/2019 | Updated RRSM guidelines, Updated split procedures |
15 NOV 2019 |
| 01/2020 | New format, Added airspace limits and runway distances, Revised guidance on delay mitigation, Added detailed taxi routes and pushback guidance, New VFR procedures, Added detailed guidance on AIR departure/arrival procedures, Added detailed RRSM procedures, Updated D-APO procedures, Updated LVO procedures and split into separate section, Expanded guidance on aerodrome areas of responsibility, Updated taxi diagrams, Added area of responsibility diagrams |
06 MAY 2020 |
| 02/2020 | Updated clearance format, Updated RNAV SIDs, Corrected omnidirectional departure heading fan, Expanded on VFR AIR procedures, Added more VFR phraseology examples, Added phraseology examples for RRSM |
21 MAY 2020 |
| 03/2020 | Copyright note, Corrected phraseology examples, Corrected A380 parking code, Amended pushback and taxi procedures for clarity |
18 JUN 2020 |
| 04/2020 | Updated ATS callsigns and frequencies, Removed relief callsigns, Updated routing procedures, Updated pushback procedures, Added parking restrictions, Updated VFR procedures, Updated datalink clearance setup procedure |
13 AUG 2020 |
| 05/2020 | Revised format | 08 OCT 2020 |
| 06/2020 | Added detailed IFR departure procedures for AIR, Added IFR departure handoff procedures, Added Muscat flow control procedures, Updated omnidirectional departure procedure, Updated pushback procedures to include pushback types, Added stand allocation table |
05 NOV 2020 |
| 01/2021 | New layout, Updated AIR departure and arrival separation procedures, Updated omnidirectional departure procedure, Removed SID groups |
28 JAN 2021 |
| 02/2021 | Updated departure clearance procedures, Updated pushback and taxi procedures, Updated taxi phraseology, Added LVO separation requirements, Added detailed go-around procedure, Updated 30R taxi-out diagram |
25 FEB 2021 |
| 03/2021 | Updated phraseology examples, Revised AIR departure procedures, Revised AIR go-around procedure, Updated D-APO separation minima |
15 JUL 2021 |
| 04/2021 | Updated logon callsigns, Revised go-around procedure, Added single-runway pushback and taxi procedures, Revised taxi and AoR diagrams for improved clarity, Added aerodrome incursion hotspots and associated diagrams |
07 OCT 2021 |
| 05/2021 | Updated document format, Updated pushback phraseology, Revised 30s configuration taxi routings |
30 DEC 2021 |
| 01/2024 | Updated AIR handoff phraseology, Updated ATS frequencies, Updated GMC stand allocation procedures, Updated appendix diagrams, Updated GMC standard taxi routings, Updated AIR standard departure points, Updated SRO RRSM criteria, Added GMC "bias" taxi routings, Revised GMP flight-plan amendment procedures, Revised GMP VFR flight procedures, Added document & external references, Removed RouteChecker, Removed D-APO |
22 NOV 2024 |
| 01/2025 | Updated station codes, Updated section nomenclature, Added detailed taxi procedure description, Updated taxiway restrictions, Fixed incorrect VFR references, Layout changes |
17 JUL 2025 |
Purpose & Scope
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and coordination requirements for Dubai aerodrome operations on the VATSIM network. Its primary goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and standardized handling of IFR and VFR traffic flow into and out of the aerodrome.
This document serves as a reference for both newly certified and experienced controllers operating at Dubai International (OMDB).
While this SOP focuses specifically on aerodrome operations, it complements and should be used in nonjunction with other local SOPs, including Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with adjacent sectors, and the Arabian vACC vMATS Part 1 and Part 2.
Applicability
This SOP is applicable to all VATSIM air traffic controllers operating Dubai at the aerodrome level, including:
- Dubai aerodrome controllers.
- Controllers operating in a top-down capacity from a terminal area (APP or DEP) or enroute (CTR) position.
- Visiting controllers approved by the relevant division or vACC.
- Trainees working under supervision within enroute airspace.
All controllers are expected to adhere to the procedures set forth in this document in conjunction with the VATSIM Global Controller Ratings Policy, the VATSIM Code of Conduct, and applicable local policies.
Authority & Oversight
The development, maintenance, and enforcement of this SOP fall under the authority of the ATC Operations Department and the Arabian vACC leadership. Oversight is coordinated in line with regional and divisional policies set by the Middle East & North Africa Division (VATMENA) and the VATSIM Network.
Amendments or updates to this SOP may be issued as needed to reflect procedural changes, software updates, or coordination adjustments with neighboring FIRs. All controllers are responsible for remaining up to date with the latest version of this SOP and any associated supplements or notices.