Source: ICAO

  • ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event results in at least 440 new or updated agreements, accelerating progress towards safe and sustainable global air transport

ICAO Member States have now reported reaching 440 new and updated bilateral and multilateral agreements at the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation Event 2025 (ICAN 2025).

These agreements are expected to support the implementation of the outcomes of the 42nd ICAO Assembly, which last month adopted a new suite of Resolutions supporting the ICAO 2050 Vision. The Resolutions provided the foundation and direction for this year’s negotiations, ensuring that new agreements reflect the latest global priorities.

Concluding on 17 November 2025, the five-day event was hosted by the Dominican Republic and involved 87 ICAO Member States. No fewer than 606 delegates were involved in the negotiations.

ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano set a clear agenda through his opening remarks. “Each new agreement should create better operating environments for airlines and airports, so businesses can thrive. Reach agreement on policies that improve air connectivity, deliver seamless journeys for passengers, and drive the growth of international air transport, and move beyond approaches that hinder progress,” he urged. “International air transport grows stronger when we embrace change, foster competition, and work together. Together we can unlock new routes, drive investment, and deliver better services for passengers and businesses everywhere.”

Market liberalization advanced at ICAN 2025, and was tailored to the unique needs of each region. Delegates had been expected to build flexibility into their agreements, expand market access, and ensure that developing States and smaller markets fully benefitted. These anticipated outcomes reflected the recent Assembly’s guidance to pursue liberalization in step with national and regional realities.

Commitments to fair competition, principles of non-discrimination, transparency in slot allocation, and consumer protection featured in the negotiations. By placing these priorities at the center of new agreements, delegates created a stronger foundation for innovation, consumer confidence, and balanced growth.

Ownership and control provisions evolved as well. By recognizing community of interest within regional groupings, States enabled new avenues for investment and partnership, all while upholding ICAO’s standards for safety and security.

The ICAN2025 event also allowed States to strengthen the trust and partnership that underpin international aviation and further encourage the identification of shared priorities and achievement of common goals. In this regard, registering agreements with ICAO and sharing essential data are vital elements to strengthen trust, identify shared priorities and reinforce a culture of transparency and accountability.

Activities on the sidelines of ICAN 2025 contributed to the momentum, as participants joined the African Civil Aviation Commission in celebrating the 26thanniversary of the Yamoussoukro Decision on 13 November. This provided an important platform for the Single African Air Transport Market, reducing route restrictions and expanding capacity and intra-African air connectivity.

The success of ICAN 2025 has furthermore set the stage for the Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference, which will be the international community’s forum for reshaping the economic regulation of air transport worldwide. Taking place at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal in November 2026, it will bring together governments, industry, and other key partners to address the most pressing strategic issues facing aviation, including sustainable growth, infrastructure financing, digital innovation, and policy frameworks that ensure No Country is Left Behind.