The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued a statement urging governments to prioritize the protection of civil aviation, including airports and air navigation infrastructure, during conflicts.
“Civil aviation serves a purpose beyond politics: to ‘create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world.’ These words, from the preamble of the Chicago Convention signed 80 years ago during World War II, remain relevant today. They highlight civil aviation's critical role in connecting people and transporting goods across the globe. In 2024’s turbulent landscape, the message of the Chicago Convention is more important than ever.
We all desire a peaceful world, but for many, that remains a distant hope. This makes it crucial to remind those involved in conflicts of their responsibility to ensure flight safety and protect vital airport and air navigation infrastructure from becoming targets.
Civil aviation remains neutral in political conflicts. As a global industry, it operates by adhering to international standards and the rule of law. Civil aviation primarily serves civilians, and it must be safeguarded by all sides during conflicts. IATA firmly believes this, and more importantly, it is a clear obligation of governments under international law. For instance:
Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the right to freedom of movement, both within and across borders.
Article 48 of the Fourth Geneva Convention mandates that combatants must not target civilian infrastructure.
International humanitarian law requires all parties to a conflict to allow and facilitate the swift delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure the safety of personnel providing relief.
Blurring the line between military and civil aviation would have severe consequences for innocent civilians, especially those dependent on humanitarian aid.
The Chicago Convention also explicitly obliges states to protect civil aircraft and passengers, refrain from using force against civil aircraft, and communicate and coordinate any activities that could endanger civil aviation. These principles are essential to ensuring safety in the skies.
As the world strives for peace, aviation will continue to connect people and goods. In the meantime, those involved in conflicts must respect the laws of war and humanitarian assistance, and refrain from harming civilian aircraft, airports, or air navigation services. This is non-negotiable and must be upheld, even in the midst of hostilities,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA.
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