ICAO statement on the safety and security of aviation operations

ICAO statement on the safety and security of aviation operations
ICAO strongly calls on Member States to respect the principles and provisions of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation. Civil aviation must be preserved for the promotion of global peace and prosperity, with safety and security always ensured as the fundamental priority.  

ICAO Member States have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of air transport operations, facilities and passengers, and the Convention requires them to cooperate.

The ICAO framework protects passengers and crew by requiring airspace closures when safety is threatened. 

ICAO supports its Member States by working with all stakeholders to identify and implement contingency measures that minimize disruptions to international air services, with no compromise on safety. When airspace is affected by conflict and international air traffic flows are disrupted, ICAO activates and leads regional and inter-regional coordination mechanisms to support Member States as they implement contingency arrangements for their Flight Information Regions (FIR), in accordance with Annex 11 — Air Traffic Services of the Convention.

ICAO convenes affected and adjacent Member States, air traffic services providers, airspace users, and other relevant stakeholders through contingency coordination forums to ensure information sharing, alignment of procedures, and the continued safe and orderly flow of international air traffic. 

As reaffirmed in last year’s unanimous adoption of ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-4: Addressing risks to civil aviation arising from conflict zones, the assessment of safety in conflict zones is an exclusive responsibility of Member States and their air traffic services providers and airlines in accordance with applicable ICAO provisions and guidance. 

ICAO supports the effective implementation of these responsibilities by facilitating the sharing of information, of expertise and promoting coordinated risk mitigation efforts. ICAO is continuously working with Member States and all industry stakeholders involved to improve guidance on how to ensure the safety and security of civil aviation operation near and over conflict zones.

In line with the responsibilities mandated in the Convention, ICAO does not comment on matters concerning specific Member States. 

02 March 2026