ICAO Calls for Urgent Action to Safeguard Civil Aviation in Conflict Zones
The International Civil Aviation Organization has issued a strong warning over increasing risks to civil aviation in conflict zones, calling for immediate and coordinated global action to enhance safety and security measures.
Emerging Military Technologies Raising Risks
Speaking at the World Overflight Risk Conference in Malta, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar highlighted that evolving military technologies are creating a more complex and unpredictable threat environment for civilian aircraft.
Key risk factors include:
- Long-range weapons systems
- Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
- GNSS interference and signal disruption
- Advanced air defence systems
These developments increase the likelihood of civilian aircraft being mistakenly targeted or affected by nearby conflicts.
Operational Measures Alone Are Not Enough
ICAO acknowledged that airlines have demonstrated strong operational resilience, including rerouting flights during crises. However, it emphasized that such measures are not sufficient to address the root causes of growing security threats.
Three Key Actions Recommended
The organization urged States to take immediate steps, including:
- Rapid sharing of threat intelligence
- Strengthening risk assessment and decision-making processes
- Enhancing coordination between military and civil aviation authorities
These actions are critical to preventing misidentification and ensuring safer airspace management.
Global Crisis Management Framework Under Development
ICAO is currently finalizing a Global Crisis Management Framework to improve coordination in responding to aviation threats. In parallel, updates to safety manuals are underway to better address risks related to military activity in or near conflict zones.
Middle East Crisis Highlights Sector Vulnerability
Recent disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis demonstrated both the aviation sector’s adaptability and the significant economic impact of operating in increasingly militarized airspace.
Flight rerouting has resulted in:
- Higher fuel costs
- Longer flight times
- Reduced operational efficiency
International Cooperation Is Essential
ICAO stressed that safeguarding civil aviation requires strong international cooperation beyond national-level efforts.
During the conference, global aviation stakeholders and security experts gathered under the “Safer Skies” initiative to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms and improve safety protocols.
