Saudi Arabia condemns the targeting of ICAO's civil aviation infrastructure
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to the security and stability of the region, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), during its sixth meeting of the current session, issued a firm resolution condemning Iran's attacks on several countries in the region. This resolution was based on a joint working paper led by the Kingdom, which stressed the need to protect civil aviation infrastructure from any military threats, emphasizing that such actions pose a direct danger to the safety of passengers and global air navigation.
Historical context of protecting civil aviation infrastructure
Civil aviation security has always been a cornerstone of international law. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was established under the 1944 Chicago Convention to ensure the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. Historically, nations have agreed to keep civil aviation infrastructure and airports neutral in armed conflicts, recognizing their vital role in global communication and the international economy. The principle of each state's complete and absolute sovereignty over its airspace is a fundamental and non-negotiable principle. Any violation of this principle, such as launching missiles or drones without prior coordination, constitutes a flagrant breach of international conventions and a threat to international peace and security.
Details of the joint Saudi and Arab position
Arab solidarity was exemplified in its finest form through the joint working paper submitted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the participation of the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Kingdom of Morocco. This diplomatic initiative was based on relevant Security Council resolutions, which clearly condemned the attacks on the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan. The Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Engineer Mohammed bin Sami Habib, affirmed that the Kingdom is not a party to the ongoing conflict, but rather an advocate for peace who has called from the outset for de-escalation and the prioritization of diplomatic solutions to spare the region the ravages of war.
The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), during its sixth meeting of the current session, adopted an international resolution condemning Iranian attacks on the airspace of countries in the region. This resolution was based on a joint working paper submitted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and several other sister nations, confirming the international community's awareness of the magnitude of the threats facing the security and stability of the region. pic.twitter.com/U0thcsifvC
— General Authority of Civil Aviation (@ksagaca) April 5, 2026
Regional and international impacts on air transport
Targeting civilian objects has far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the local level to encompass broad regional and international repercussions. The ICAO Council has clarified that the intersection of military missile trajectories with civilian air corridors, without the issuance of necessary navigational warnings, poses grave risks. This exceptional situation has compelled many affected countries to take urgent precautionary measures, including closing vital parts of their airspace and rerouting international flights. While these measures are essential for safety, they impose enormous operational and economic burdens on global airlines, disrupting flight schedules and causing delays for passengers worldwide.
The Kingdom's commitment to enhancing global aviation security
In concluding its remarks, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full and longstanding commitment to the provisions of the Chicago Convention, emphasizing its continued support for the smooth flow of air traffic in close cooperation with sister nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Kingdom highlighted the readiness of its airspace and advanced airports to support airlines and facilitate evacuation flights in accordance with the highest international safety standards. It also issued a clear call to the international community to compel all states to respect international law and to immediately and unconditionally cease any practices that use civil aviation for purposes other than its designated peaceful uses, in order to ensure that the world's skies remain safe for all.
