UN aviation agency warns of rising attack risk for civilian planes

The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) warns that the risk of commercial aircraft being targeted by attacks has increased, calling it a "fundamental safety risk" for civil aviation. The organization states that civilian planes face risks from crossfire and deliberate attacks. The warning follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's advice for airlines to avoid Russian airspace due to numerous drone attacks, describing the situation as "extremely dangerous." ICAO reminds members that attacking civilian aircraft is prohibited under international law and urges states to ensure airspace safety. Past incidents include Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing nearly 300 people, and a Boeing downed over Iran in 2020, killing 176. ICAO plans to update its guidelines soon.