ICAO calls on countries to promptly grant permits and access for flights for repatriation
ICAO has issued new recommendations to national governments regarding repatriation flights operated by state aircrafts, humanitarian aid flights or commercial repatriation flights, reports ICAO press service. This measure was taken due to the fact that many states continue to impose restrictions on air traffic in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. In the most recent recommendations, UN agencies on civil aviation issues have been called upon to ensure the prompt issuance of permits for the arrival, departure and transit of aircraft flying for repatriation from foreign countries of citizens and other eligible persons. “Flights organized by states for the sole purpose of repatriating their citizens and other eligible persons from other states, without boarding or disembarking other passengers carried “for remuneration or for hire”, may be classified as flights for repatriation purposes,” - noted in a letter to ICAO to States issued by the Secretary General of ICAO, Fan Liu. “This would ensure the prompt issuance of the necessary permits for the arrival, departure and transit of aircraft operating on such flights, whether it be flights of state aircraft, humanitarian aid flights or charter commercial flights.” With regard to commercial repatriation flights, ICAO reminded States of their obligations regarding the right of foreign aircraft operating irregular commercial flights to carry passengers to and from their territory, and also encouraged them to review their permit procedures and ensure their prompt execution. To date, ICAO has sent seven e-newsletters and four letters to countries regarding COVID-19 responses to countries around the world, and regularly updates global air traffic impact forecasts reflecting the scale of cessation of operations that is currently observed throughout the worldwide air transport network. In addition to its regular COVID-19 recommendations addressed to national governments, ICAO also acts as a key focal point for States and other members of the Civil Aviation Cooperation Mechanism for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Threats (CAPSCA). ICAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. Along with many other priority areas of activity, it sets the standards and rules necessary to ensure flight safety, aviation security, efficiency, throughput and environmental protection. The organization is a forum for cooperation in all areas of civil aviation for its 193 Member States.
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