ICAO Warns of Airspace Risks After Flight Cancellations
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) called on member states to strengthen measures to protect civil aircraft from all types of risks associated with conflict zones.
Consensus
- ICAO issued a statement urging member states to enhance protection for civilian aircraft from risks in conflict zones.
- The risks to civilian aviation are increasing globally due to advanced weapons, drones, electronic warfare, and modern air defense systems.
- ICAO emphasized that rerouting flights does not resolve the fundamental safety issue.
- ICAO referenced Article 3 bis of the Chicago Convention 1944 and ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-4, which prohibit weapons use against civilian aircraft.
- The statement was released after Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that Russian airspace has become unsafe for airlines.
- Russian President Putin labeled Zelensky's statements as a 'request for state terrorism'.
- Pegasus Airlines canceled several night flights to Russia on September 2, citing technical and operational reasons.
Points of divergence
- Pegasus Airlines canceled flights the day after Zelensky's statement. — fontanka
- Zelensky said Russian airspace would be 'de facto closed' and that drones would appear frequently. — kommersant
Coverage (2 sources)
- ICAO made a statement amid the cancellation of Pegasus Airlines flights in Russia and Zelenskyy's words — Фонтанка
- ICAO called on countries to protect civilian aircraft from military threats — Коммерсантъ