Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 7, 2025 Economic development
"You flew here [to the UN headquarters in New York] by plane. How safe would you feel boarding your flight if the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) didn't exist, responsible for the safety of five billion passengers annually?" These words by UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, spoken at the opening of the body's 80th session, are a reminder of who ensures aviation safety.
Behind every takeoff and landing lies a complex system of international cooperation, strict standards, and safety mechanisms that save the lives of millions of passengers every day and ensure the safe delivery of cargo around the world.
On International Civil Aviation Day, December 7, ICAO recalls its efforts in this area. According to the organization, global air traffic continues to grow. The number of passengers is expected to increase from 4.6 billion in 2024 to over 12 billion by 2050.
The growing number of flights requires increased attention to safety. In 2024, 296 people were killed in passenger aviation accidents, compared to 72 the previous year. However, accident rates today are lower than in 2019.
These results were achieved thanks to the long-standing work of ICAO, the UN's specialized civil aviation agency. The organization helps countries develop standards in this area and strengthen oversight of passenger air travel.
Recent ICAO reports note the strengthening of international cooperation and the reduction of operational risks at all levels.
Strategic Plan for 2026–2050
The ICAO Strategic Plan for 2026–2050 aims to create an aviation system that is safe and innovative. The plan's primary goal is a world where aviation accidents claim no lives. ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar called this goal "challenging, but achievable."
The path to zero-fatality aviation requires international cooperation, technological innovation, and responsibility for every life and every flight, ICAO emphasizes.
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