International aviation depends on countries working together to ensure that aircraft can operate safely and securely across national borders. As the United Nations agency for international civil aviation, ICAO provides a global forum for cooperation between our 193 Member States on the policies, international Standards and Recommended Practices, and guidance that underpin the safe, secure and orderly operation of international air transport.
An important part of this work is helping States and the aviation community identify and manage risks that can threaten civilian aircraft. This becomes particularly critical when civil aviation operations take place over or near conflict zones, where military activity can introduce risks that extend beyond the areas in which fighting is taking place.
The call comes as increasingly sophisticated military technologies create new and evolving risks for civil aviation. Long-range weapons systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), global navigation satellite system radio frequency interference, and advanced air defence systems are among the technologies that can jeopardize civilian aircraft.
ICAO is observing heightened risks of civil aircraft being targeted or caught in crossfire. While the aviation industry is able to reroute flights and maintain operations during conflicts, this operational flexibility does not address the fundamental security threat.
The international legal framework is clear. Article 3 bis of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation establishes that States must refrain from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight, a principle reaffirmed by ICAO Member States through Assembly Resolution A42-4.
This message from the specialized agency of the United Nations comes as the risk of weapons targeting civilian planes grows worldwide. Long-range weapons systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), global navigation satellite system radio frequency interference, and advanced air defence systems are among the military technologies jeopardizing civilian aviation.
ICAO is observing heightened risks of civil aircraft being targeted or caught in crossfire, and while the aviation industry is able to reroute flights and maintain operations during conflicts, this operational flexibility does not address the fundamental security threat.
Article 3 bis of the 1944 Convention on Civil Aviation and ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-4 explicitly prohibit the use of weapons against civilian aircraft.
As reaffirmed in last year’s unanimous adoption of ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-4: Addressing risks to civil aviation arising from conflict zones, it is essential that Member States assess the safety of airspace controlled by them and take all appropriate measures. Aircraft operators must also conduct safety and security risk assessments in accordance with applicable ICAO provisions and guidance.
Member States must share threat intelligence rapidly when activities pose risks to civilian aircraft, strengthen risk assessment mechanisms and timely decision making, and improve coordination between military and civilian authorities to prevent misidentification of civilian aircraft as military targets.
ICAO is updating its Manual Concerning Safety Measures relating to Military Activities and its Risk Assessment Manual for Civil Aircraft Operations Over or Near Conflict Zones, which focus on how authorities and airlines and air navigation services providers can better assess threats from malicious activities.