The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a UN agency, has sounded the alarm over the serious threats facing civil aviation in conflict zones. The organisation has called on member states to take more active measures to prevent the risk of attacks on civilian aircraft amid global instability.
ICAO emphasises that, against a backdrop of global conflicts and increased military activity, the threat to civil aviation has grown. The organisation is particularly concerned about the use of long-range weapons, drones and disruptions to satellite navigation systems, which could make passenger aircraft targets or collateral damage in military operations.
To enhance airspace security, ICAO has reiterated existing international standards prohibiting attacks on civil aircraft and has called for the exchange of intelligence between countries. According to the organisation, this will help prevent the mistaken identification of civilian aircraft as military targets and strengthen coordination between military and civil authorities.
Although the ICAO statement does not directly mention the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the situation surrounding this confrontation is attracting particular attention. Ukraine has officially warned the ICAO of the dangers of flying over Russian territory due to increased military activity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern about flight safety in Russian airspace and called on airlines to review their routes. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Zelenskyy’s remarks as “a call for state terrorism” and promised to find an appropriate response.
ICAO continues to work on improving its safety recommendations to help airlines and government bodies better assess and prevent threats in conflict zones. Against a backdrop of growing global tensions, the safety of civil aviation is becoming an increasingly pressing issue on the international stage.