ICAO in need of reforms to enhance its relevance – now is opportune

The International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, continues to function fairly effectively in pursuance of the 1944 Chicago Convention which created it, even as the world, and notably air transport, have developed dramatically.

But while taking on additional responsibilities, the organisation remains entrenched in the architecture of a now seventy-seven-year-old treaty, and some of its traditional activities have been retained despite new global realities, notably on the economic regulation of international air transport in the context of a liberalised world. Consequently, ICAO is in danger of losing focus on its core mission of safety, security and air navigation planning.

A new Secretary General was installed in Aug-2021 at a time when there is a need to rethink the role and structure of international air transport in a post-COVID era, along with increasing criticism of the sector in relation to its contribution and response to climate change.

This makes for an opportune time for a fundamental review of ICAO's responsibilities and effectiveness. This analysis proposes remedial action on some key issues.