ICAO Urges Stronger Protection for Civilian Aviation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has called on its member states to enhance measures to protect civil aircraft from threats associated with conflict zones, according to an official statement issued on 2 September 2026.

ICAO emphasized the need to reinforce international commitments as military risks to civil aviation increase globally. The specialized United Nations agency noted that modern military technologies—including long-range weapon systems, unmanned aircraft systems, radio-frequency jamming of global navigation satellite systems, and advanced air defense systems—present growing hazards to passenger and cargo flights. According to the organization, the probability of civil aircraft becoming direct targets or caught in crossfire has increased.

While the aviation sector retains the capability to re-route flights and maintain air connectivity during armed conflicts, ICAO stressed that operational flexibility does not eliminate fundamental safety threats posed by military activity near commercial flight paths.

The organization cited Article 3 bis of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation and Assembly Resolution A42-4, which explicitly prohibit the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight. Under Resolution A42-4, titled "Addressing Risks to Civil Aviation Arising in Conflict Zones," member states are required to assess the safety of airspace under their jurisdiction and take appropriate protective measures. Aircraft operators are likewise mandated to evaluate security and safety risks in alignment with ICAO provisions.

ICAO urged governments to rapidly share intelligence on potential hazards whenever military or hazardous activities pose risks to commercial aviation. The agency recommended strengthening risk assessment mechanisms, improving real-time decision-making, and enhancing civil-military coordination to prevent the misidentification of civilian aircraft as military targets.

To support implementation, ICAO announced it is updating its Manual on Civil-Military Cooperation in Air Traffic Management and its Manual on Risk Assessment for Civil Aircraft Operations Over or Near Conflict Zones. These documents provide updated guidance for civil aviation authorities, airlines, and air navigation service providers to evaluate emerging threats.

ICAO comprises 193 member states and establishes the global regulatory standards and recommended practices for safe, secure, and sustainable international air transport.