The Assembly unanimously endorsed the 2026-2028 Global Aviation Safety Plan, alongside the eighth Global Air Navigation Plan and the Second Edition of the Global Aviation Security Plan
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted a sweeping new framework of strategies, backed by its 192 Member States, aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of eliminating fatalities in global air transport.
The measures, formalised at the recent ICAO Assembly, introduced major updates across global and regional blueprints for safety, security, air navigation, and cybersecurity, aligning the industry with the Organization’s Strategic Plan for 2050.
The Assembly unanimously endorsed the 2026-2028 Global Aviation Safety Plan, alongside the eighth Global Air Navigation Plan and the Second Edition of the Global Aviation Security Plan, the latter featuring new global targets and a monitoring system. Collectively, these documents provide the essential structure to accelerate progress towards achieving zero aviation fatalities.
New Focus on Conflict Zones and Digital Threats
The adopted resolution places a crucial emphasis on addressing new, sophisticated security threats arising from both geopolitical conflicts and digital transformation.
Conflict Zone Risk: Recognising the danger posed by weaponised unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, the Assembly directed the ICAO Council to develop a dedicated work programme on conflict zones. States were urged to strengthen civil-military cooperation and improve global information sharing, particularly through initiatives such as the Safer Skies Initiative.
Cyber Resilience: To combat growing digital threats, States were called upon to implement the ICAO Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy and Action Plan, develop national cybersecurity plans, and designate competent authorities responsible for robust risk management within aviation infrastructure.
Integrating AI & New Entrants
The Assembly also laid the groundwork for safely integrating future technologies into the global airspace:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Acknowledging both the opportunities and risks presented by AI, the Assembly endorsed the establishment of a Task Force on AI. This group will develop comprehensive implementation strategies for aviation security, focusing on establishing standardised certification frameworks and performance evaluation methodologies for AI systems.
New Airspace Entrants: Delegates agreed to expedite the development of measures to ensure the safe and legally compliant operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), particularly when operating over the high seas.
Strengthening Oversight & Data Sharing
The fundamental importance of ICAO’s safety and security oversight audit programmes was reaffirmed, with States urged to accept scheduled audits to ensure the flow of timely and relevant information.
Furthermore, the Assembly emphasised the need for reliable data link services and improved cross-regional airspace coordination to support the global transition to the Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE). It also called for active State engagement to ensure resilient communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities against intentional or unintentional GNSS interference.
The Assembly also supported continued evidence-based review of pilot age limits, stressing that any decision to raise the current limit to 67 years must be guided strictly by comprehensive data analysis and safety considerations.