(Posted 19th September 2026)
Global leaders are coming together to make flying smoother and fairer for passengers
The managers of the world’s skies must make the most of a rare upcoming opportunity to make international air travel more predictable and protective of consumer rights. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is inviting the governments of its 193 Member States to negotiate these issues in Montreal this November: it will be the first time they reform the global framework in over ten years.
Modern travel has tons of perks: more choices, creative fare bundles, and of course almost everything happening online. Still, lots of us still don’t know what our rights are (or if we have any) when things go wrong abroad, and even if we do know, ensuring these rights are respected is not always as easy as it should be. The good news? The upcoming Worldwide Air Transport Conference is all about making travel simpler and friendlier for everyone, no matter where or how you book.
The passenger protection gap
Since ICAO first introduced its Core Principles on Consumer Protection in 2015, the aviation industry has changed rapidly through technologies, new business models, and increased cross-border travel. These developments have made it increasingly complex for national policies to keep up, and many travellers find gaps in support when their journeys cross different systems.
Modern travel contracts also often involve multiple intermediaries. When disruptions happen, it can be unclear which company is responsible, and information provided may be contradictory or confusing. Sometimes, even strong national rules are not enough if they aren’t part of coordinated contingency plans or if they don’t fully align with international obligations.
Differences in how countries actually apply the rules add further uncertainty for passengers, regulators, and airlines. And as passenger numbers continue to grow and operations become more complex, inconsistent policies will make it harder to build trust and even weaken the global flight system as a whole.
Six key improvements for air travel
ICAO is calling for resolute, coordinated action by governments. First and foremost, it is urging all governments to become parties to the Montreal Convention 1999* on passenger rights, as this treaty provides the global legal baseline. Forty-eight ICAO Member States have not yet become parties.
However, ICAO wants governments to go much further than solidifying this foundation. At the Worldwide Air Transport Conference this November, ICAO is asking all governments to support these improvements to the international passenger rights framework:
- Consistency across borders: Greater harmonization of consumer protection frameworks will help ensure travellers receive consistent treatment throughout their journey
- Aligned national policy: Countries are encouraged to adopt ICAO’s Core Principles, build them into their own laws, and share what works or doesn’t with other governments.
- Clear division of responsibility: Laws should specify the roles of all travel players—airlines, intermediaries, airports—to remove confusion.
- Timely, accurate information: Passengers need to know their rights and where to get help, especially when disruptions occur.
- Integrated emergency planning: Consumer protection policies must be linked with contingency plans so responses are coordinated and care is delivered quickly.
- Regular information sharing: Open communication and use of ICAO platforms help identify and address issues as they emerge, keeping standards effective and up to date.
ICAO is also asking governments to support its efforts to deliver updated guidance and increased technical support to Member States. Boosting opportunities for exchanging best practices among governments is also a priority for ICAO, because it will enable countries with different legal systems to find ways to strengthen their protections.
What governments must do right now
With ICAO bringing everyone to the table in Montreal and providing clear leadership on what needs to be done, governments must work together to find consensus on how to adopt these priorities and implement them. Then, each country must ensure its framework and rules align with the commitments its government has made at the Worldwide Air Transport Conference. In this way, the improvements agreed on at the Conference will make air travel smoother, more reliable, and fairer for travellers all over the world. This will also be key to ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for international civil aviation and the people and industries it serves.
* Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, adopted in Montreal in 1999
