Frequently Asked Questions

Established by the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation, ICAO is an intergovernmental organization that works with its member states to support the safe, secure, sustainable and efficient operation of international civil aviation. We assist governments with the development of mutually recognized technical standards and global plans. These internationally agreed provisions are then incorporated into their regulatory frameworks.

Please note that due to the high volume of inquiries we receive, we are unable to provide personalized responses to queries that are covered by the below guidance.

State Regulations and Practices: The interpretation and implementation of ICAO standards and recommended practices, and other guidance is materials, is a sovereign regulatory responsibility of state authorities. This includes all matters pertaining to aviation safety, security, sustainability, and consumer protection (e.g. complaints about airlines, airports, or border services.) For specific information on a state's aviation regulations and practices, and any question regarding the ICAO compliance of these, please contact the relevant civil aviation authority within that state. Information on ICAO auditing in this context is available here.

Employment and Business Opportunities: We welcome qualified individuals and organizations to explore employment and business opportunities with ICAO. Visit our careers page for job and internship openings, or our Procurement page for information on doing business with our organization. For inquiries related to licensing ICAO's intellectual property, please contact sales [at] icao.int (sales[at]icao[dot]int).

Sponsorship and scholarship requests: ICAO is not funded by its member states to provide academic or other forms of community sponsorship. Questions regarding state and institutional scholarships offered in partnership with ICAO must be addressed directly to those bodies. ICAO does not administer scholarships directly with students.

Reporting Concerns About ICAO: ICAO upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct. To report unethical behavior, misconduct, or violations of expected standards, please contact the United Nations Office for Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) using the details provided on our website.

Technical Information and Suggestions: Our documentation is available through the ICAO e-library (free account required) and the ICAO Store. Technical suggestions can be addressed to relevant state bodies or organizations invited to participate in ICAO meetings. ICAO cannot provide assistance with the interpretation of our technical materials (see “state regulations and practices” above.)

Visiting ICAO: ICAO is pleased to offer organized group tours of our headquarters to the general public. Please consult our visitors page for more information and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Convention on International Civil Aviation

• Which specific Chicago Convention Articles apply when a State doesn’t follow ICAO Standards?
• Can States sanction other States through ICAO?
• How are international flights routes agreed?
• How are conflict zones or other dangerous areas managed?
• How do States decide who will participate in an aircraft accident investigation?