Regarding the 3nm/5nm sep’s:
Ferris, thanx for the Area Control perspective.
The GCAA have made some conditions for Dubai to get 3nm sep’s back.
This involves the Approach controllers now using two different radar displays, one set at 60nm range scale for the longer range stuff and another that may not be used for a range scale greater than 30nm. The requirement is that we only use 3nm sep’s on the 30nm scope.
There are some adaptation issues that require getting used to on the ATC side. I "expect" that 3nm sep’s will be back no later than the first week in November. However, operators can expect some (limited) restrictions when you are a little further from the airfield, because of the use of two displays to separate traffic depending on their position(s).
The ATC's at Dubai will "probably" be just a little bit careful to start with, as many of us have not worked multi-display before.
I have no comment regarding the if's, but's, why's or why not's of this whole situation.
Dubai ATC is trying to manage under fluctuating circumstances.
Ultimately, your safety is our priority.
Riket