Airports and airlines are dealing with multiple cancelled and delayed flights as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Disruption of this scale has not been seen since the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has pointed out that member states are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of air transport operations, facilities and passengers, and that they are required to cooperate with the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation. The ICAO framework protects passengers and crew by requiring airspace closures when safety is threatened.
“ICAO supports its member states by working with all stakeholders to identify and implement contingency measures that minimize disruptions to international air services, with no compromise on safety,” the organization said on March 2. “When airspace is affected by conflict and international air traffic flows are disrupted, ICAO activates and leads regional and inter-regional coordination mechanisms to support member states as they implement contingency arrangements.”
ICAO convenes affected and adjacent member states, air traffic services providers, airspace users and other relevant stakeholders through contingency coordination forums to ensure information sharing, alignment of procedures, and the continued safe and orderly flow of international air traffic. The organization works continuously with member states and industry stakeholders to improve guidance on how to ensure the safety and security of civil aviation operations near and over conflict zones.
In related news, ICAO adopts aviation security and safety updates
