ICAO adopts new measures on conflict zones following loss of UIA flight PS752

ICAO Council announced (11-Mar-2020) the adoption of new measures relevant to the loss of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS752 earlier in 2020. Earlier during its 219th session, the ICAO Council adopted amendments to its standards and recommended practices on conflict zone risk assessments and related responsibilities, in addition to an amendment concerning state obligations relating to promptly sharing information on hazardous activities to civil aviation. It has now adopted new conflict zone risk mitigation initiatives presented by Canada on "Safer Skies". The proposal was co-sponsored by Costa Rica, Finland, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, and the UK. Safer Skies calls on ICAO to perform a comprehensive gap analysis of current airspace management and conflict zone related guidance material and for its results to be ready for Council review by its 220th Session in Jun-2020. It also directs ICAO to submit a draft prioritised work plan at that time, focused primarily on update and implementation activities in support of recent amendments to airspace management and conflict zone related standards and recommended practices. [more - original PR]