The ongoing conflict in the Arabian Gulf region has underscored a critical yet often overlooked dimension of modern warfare: the vulnerability of civil aviation.
As military escalation intersects with civilian infrastructure, the safety of air navigation has emerged as a pressing international concern. In this context, the role of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has become more vital than ever, particularly in light of growing threats targeting regional civilian airports and aviation infrastructure.
ICAO, as a specialised UN agency, is mandated to ensure the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. Its framework is built on global standards and recommended practices (SARPs), which guide states in maintaining aviation safety, security and efficiency.
Beyond technical regulation, ICAO serves as a platform for co-ordination, risk mitigation and crisis response in situations where geopolitical tensions threaten civilian airspace.
The current conflict has exposed significant risks to civilian aviation routes across the Gulf. These risks are not theoretical. Past and recent incidents demonstrate a clear pattern of Iran-linked threats to aviation infrastructure.
In June 2019, Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia was directly struck by a cruise missile launched by Houthi forces, widely assessed as Iranian-backed, resulting in civilian casualties. This pattern continued in 2020, when attacks involving drones and missiles targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, further highlighting the normalisation of such threats.
More recently, during the ongoing 2026 conflict, missile and drone attacks have been reported across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with some incidents occurring in proximity to major aviation hubs. Reports indicated air defence activation and warning sirens across multiple GCC countries, while visual evidence suggested strikes near areas surrounding Dubai International Airport.
While not all attacks directly struck airport terminals, the proximity of these incidents to aviation infrastructure has created a high-risk operating environment for civilian aviation, increasing uncertainty for airlines, insurers and regulators alike.
Iran’s actions (whether direct or through proxy actors) reflect a broader strategy that blurs the line between military and civilian domains. Such developments undermine the foundational principles of international aviation law, particularly the obligation to protect civilian lives and infrastructure during armed conflict. The resulting risk environment has led to flight rerouting, heightened insurance costs, and growing concerns over the resilience of global air travel networks.
In response to such risks, ICAO plays a crucial role in facilitating information-sharing and issuing timely guidance to member states and aviation stakeholders. Through mechanisms such as conflict zone information repositories and risk assessments, ICAO enables airlines and governments to make informed decisions regarding flight paths and operational safety.
Additionally, ICAO works closely with regional organisations and national aviation authorities to enhance situational awareness and promote co-ordinated responses.
Importantly, this escalation has now translated into formal action at the international institutional level. During the 237th Session of the ICAO Council, culminating in discussions on Tuesday, the GCC states, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco submitted a formal request for council consideration.
Following deliberations, the council condemned Iran’s violations of the sovereignty and airspace of multiple states and deplored its use of unmanned aircraft systems against civilian infrastructure. It reaffirmed the obligation to refrain from the use of weapons against civil aircraft and underscored the importance of safeguarding international civil aviation.
The council urgently called on Iran to cease its unlawful activities, ensure aviation safety, and comply with its obligations under the Chicago Convention. It also directed transmitting the decision to the relevant United Nations bodies and decided to remain seized of the matter.
The significance of this decision lies in its formal recognition that the targeting of civilian airports and airspace is not only a regional security issue, but a direct threat to the global aviation system.
By framing these actions within the legal obligations of the Chicago Convention, the ICAO Council reinforces the principle that civil aviation must remain protected even in times of conflict. Moreover, the decision’s emphasis on immediate cessation, formal notification to member states and the United Nations, and continued council engagement underscores a shift towards greater institutional accountability, signalling that such actions will be addressed collectively at the international level.
Nevertheless, ICAO’s effectiveness ultimately depends on the level of state compliance and political will. While the organisation provides a vital framework for co-ordination and aviation safety, reinforcing adherence to international norms in conflict scenarios remains essential, highlighting the need for stronger collective accountability.
For GCC countries, the stakes are particularly high. As a global aviation hub, the region’s exposure to such threats carries disproportionate global consequences. Ensuring the protection of civilian airports and airspace is therefore not only a national priority but also an international imperative.
In conclusion, the current conflict underscores the urgent need to reinforce ICAO’s role in safeguarding air navigation. The recent Council decision reflects growing international recognition of the risks facing civil aviation, as well as the need for accountability.
Yet, sustained co-operation and stronger adherence to established norms will remain essential to preserving the safety, stability, and integrity of global air navigation.
F The author is associate analyst in the Strategic and International Studies Programme (Derasat Centre)
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