Introduction
An aircraft can cross several national jurisdictions within a single journey.
This makes international cooperation essential to aviation law.
The Chicago Convention
The 1944 Chicago Convention forms the constitutional foundation of international civil aviation and established ICAO. ICAO maintains the current treaty framework and list of parties.
The Montreal Convention
The Montreal Convention 1999 provides a modern framework for international carriage of passengers, baggage and cargo, including rules concerning passenger injury and baggage loss or delay.
Security Treaties Add Another Layer
International aviation law also includes instruments addressing unlawful seizure, unlawful acts against aviation and offences committed on board aircraft.
Conclusion
International aviation law is not one treaty.
It is an interconnected system governing sovereignty, safety, security, passenger liability, aircraft financing and cross-border operations.
For airlines and passengers alike, identifying the applicable treaty can be decisive in determining rights and liabilities.
