The legal side of COVID-19 on the aviation industry

Abstract or Introduction

In March of this year, the WHO and ICAO issued a joint statement containing updated recommendations on COVID-19 and civil aviation. This document reaffirms the commitment of these specialized UN agencies to expand international cooperation to curb the spread of the virus and protect the health of passengers. The statement notes the importance of States complying with ICAO and WHO standards related to the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases and the International Health Regulations (Reed para. 3-5). ICAO has issued two e-newsletters and one letter to member-states urging states-member to abide WHO recommendations and instructions. The ICAO letter to member states explicitly calls governments to implement the relevant provisions of Appendix 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), apply for CAPSCA membership, increase funding for outbreak response and establish a national air traffic facilitation transportation committee. However, simplification of formalities does not mean restriction of the legal rights of passengers which in fact is introduced around the world.