Speaking at the 2026 World Overflight Risk Conference held in Malta, Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO, identified emerging technologies such as long-range weapons systems, unmanned aircraft systems, global navigation satellite system interference and advanced air defence systems as key risk factors for civil aviation.
Salazar stated: “We must now reach beyond the boundaries of aviation as we have known it,” noting that advanced weaponry is creating conditions where civilian aircraft face a higher likelihood of being targeted or affected by crossfire.
While acknowledging the aviation industry’s ability to maintain operations and reroute flights during the recent Middle East crisis, he stressed that operational responses alone are insufficient to address the underlying security risks.
Juan Carlos Salazar said: “This commitment to resilience, adaptation, safety and security, is the foundation of our industry,” while calling for measures that prevent civil aviation facilities and aircraft from becoming targets.
He referenced ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-4 and Article 3 bis of the Chicago Convention, which prohibit the use of weapons against civilian aircraft, but noted that these frameworks have proven insufficient in the context of escalating regional conflicts.
ICAO has urged States to implement three immediate actions: rapid sharing of threat intelligence when risks emerge, strengthening risk assessment and decision-making processes, and improving coordination between military and civil aviation authorities to avoid misidentification of civilian aircraft.
The organisation is finalising a Global Crisis Management Framework to coordinate responses to aviation threats, alongside updates to its safety manuals addressing military activity and risk assessment for operations over or near conflict zones.
Recent disruptions during the Middle East crisis demonstrated both the sector’s operational adaptability and the economic impact of operating in increasingly militarised airspace. ICAO noted that contingency frameworks have supported rerouting, but emphasised that such measures remain temporary and costly.
The two-day conference, which opened on April 21, 2026, brought together aviation officials and security experts to discuss safety protocols and information-sharing mechanisms under the “Safer Skies” initiative.
Following the conference, Juan Carlos Salazar met with Malta’s President, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, to discuss global and regional aviation developments, including risks associated with conflict zones and the role of international cooperation in addressing them. During the visit, ICAO also acknowledged Malta’s aviation sector development.
The Secretary General was accompanied by Nicolas Rallo, Director of the ICAO European and North Atlantic Regional Office, during the mission.
Tags: Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO
