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The International Civil Aviation Organization is urging its member states to strengthen measures to protect civilian aircraft from risks posed by conflict zones
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ICAO cited growing threats from long-range weapons, unmanned aircraft systems, satellite navigation interference and advanced air defense systems
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The agency warned that civilian aircraft face risks of being targeted or caught in crossfire in conflict zones
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Member states should assess airspace safety, share threat intelligence quickly, and improve military-civilian coordination
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ICAO is revising manuals related to military activities and risk assessment for civil aircraft flying over or near conflict zones
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is calling on its member states to strengthen measures to protect civilian aircraft from risks posed by conflict zones, as military technologies increasingly threaten commercial aviation.
The United Nations specialized agency in a statement said the risks to civilian aircraft are growing worldwide, citing long-range weapons systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), global navigation satellite system radio-frequency interference, and advanced air defense systems as among the technologies posing threats to civil aviation.
ICAO said it is observing heightened risks of civilian aircraft being targeted or caught in crossfire.
While airlines can reroute flights and maintain operations during conflicts, the agency stressed that such operational measures do not address the underlying security threat to civilian aviation.
Article 3 bis of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation and ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-4 explicitly prohibit the use of weapons against civilian aircraft.
ICAO said the unanimous adoption last year of Assembly Resolution A42-4, titled “Addressing risks to civil aviation arising from conflict zones,” reaffirmed the need for member states to assess the safety of airspace under their control and take all appropriate measures.
Aircraft operators are likewise required to conduct safety and security risk assessments in line with applicable ICAO provisions and guidance.
ICAO urged member states to rapidly share threat intelligence when activities pose risks to civilian aircraft, strengthen risk assessment and timely decision-making mechanisms, and improve coordination between military and civilian authorities.
The measures are intended to help prevent civilian aircraft from being misidentified as military targets.
ICAO is also updating its Manual Concerning Safety Measures relating to Military Activities and its Risk Assessment Manual for Civil Aircraft Operations Over or Near Conflict Zones.
The manuals are intended to help authorities, airlines and air navigation service providers improve their assessment of threats arising from malicious activities and military operations.
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