ICAO urges stronger commitments to protect civilian aircraft in conflict zones

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) urged its 193 member states on September 2 to make firmer commitments to protect civilian aircraft from rising risks in conflict zones, warning that commercial planes face a growing global threat of being hit or caught in crossfire. ICAO identified long-range weapons, drones, radiofrequency interference with satellite navigation, and advanced air defenses as key threats. The call follows Ukraine's warning about Russian airspace insecurity and cites the December 2024 Azerbaijan Airlines crash, potentially caused by a missile. The appeal references the 1944 Chicago Convention and ICAO Resolution A42-4, which prohibit using weapons against civilian aircraft. ICAO is updating manuals on military activities near conflict zones and urging states to enhance intelligence sharing and civil-military coordination.