Montréal, September 4, 2026 — The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has called for stronger commitments from governments to protect civilian aircraft from growing risks associated with military conflicts and activities in or around conflict zones.
In a statement issued on September 2, ICAO warned that advances in military technology are creating increasingly complex threats for international civil aviation. Among the risks identified are long-range weapons systems, unmanned aircraft systems, interference with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals and sophisticated air-defence systems.
According to ICAO, civilian aircraft may face the danger of being deliberately targeted or unintentionally caught in crossfire during conflicts. Although airlines can sometimes reroute flights and adjust their operations to avoid dangerous airspace, the organization stressed that such measures do not eliminate the underlying security threat.
International rules prohibit attacks on civilian aircraft
ICAO highlighted the obligations established under Article 3 bis of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation, which prohibits the use of weapons against civilian aircraft in flight.
The organization also pointed to ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-4, adopted unanimously in 2025, which addresses risks to civil aviation arising from conflict zones.
Under the framework, states are expected to assess the safety of airspace under their control and take appropriate measures to protect civilian aviation. Airlines and other aircraft operators are likewise expected to conduct safety and security risk assessments in accordance with applicable ICAO standards and guidance.
Greater intelligence sharing and coordination needed
ICAO said governments should improve the speed at which threat information is shared when military or other activities could endanger civilian aircraft.
The organization is also urging states to strengthen risk-assessment systems and decision-making procedures while improving coordination between military and civilian aviation authorities.
Such coordination is particularly important for preventing the misidentification of civilian aircraft as military targets, ICAO said.
ICAO updating conflict-zone guidance
In response to the evolving threat environment, ICAO is updating two key guidance documents: its Manual Concerning Safety Measures relating to Military Activities and its Risk Assessment Manual for Civil Aircraft Operations Over or Near Conflict Zones.
The updated guidance is intended to help aviation authorities, airlines and air navigation service providers better identify and assess threats arising from potentially malicious or hazardous activities near conflict zones.
ICAO's latest warning comes as civil aviation continues to operate in an increasingly complex global security environment. The organization emphasized that avoiding dangerous airspace through rerouting can help airlines maintain operations, but lasting protection requires effective action by states, military authorities and the wider aviation community.
ICAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, brings together 193 Member States to establish global Standards and Recommended Practices for international civil aviation. Its strategic objectives include ensuring that every flight is safe and secure.
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