Mohamed Attia
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, during its 237th session, issued a decisive resolution unequivocally condemning the attacks carried out by Iran against the airspace of the Gulf Co-operation Council states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
This landmark resolution, which followed a joint working paper submitted by the Arab Group, characterizes recent military actions—specifically the use of missiles and drones since February 2026—as a direct and grave threat to the safety of international civil aviation.
The Council emphasised that these actions constitute a clear breach of the Chicago Convention and the United Nations Charter, specifically violating the absolute sovereignty of states over their respective airspaces.
Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny highlighted that the Council’s decision reflects a unified and cohesive Arab stance dedicated to protecting regional aviation interests.
Egypt played a pivotal role in securing this international consensus, advocating for a firm rejection of any military practices that jeopardize civilian infrastructure or interfere with global air navigation.
El-Hefny reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working alongside regional and international partners to uphold international law and ensure that civil aviation remains insulated from military operations, condemning all attacks on airports and civilian facilities.
The ICAO resolution further noted that the military use of drones has compromised vital international air corridors, forcing several states to implement emergency measures, including airspace closures and flight diversions.
These disruptions have caused widespread operational challenges for global air traffic and placed passenger lives at unnecessary risk.
Recalling UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), the Council expressed deep regret over the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and warned that such violations of international law would be met with stringent measures.
In a move to safeguard the integrity of the global aviation system, the Council directed the activation of all available legal instruments to prevent further military interference.
The resolution serves as a formal warning that the sovereignty of states and the safety of international civil aviation are inviolable obligations.
Moving forward, the ICAO remains committed to utilizing its full regulatory authority to protect the skies from reckless military threats and to ensure the continued stability of air navigation across the Middle East and beyond.
