As a powerful outcome of dedicated advocacy and leadership by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Muscat Declaration calls on States to enhance efforts against traditional and emerging threats, including insider threats and cyber-attacks. It emphasizes that aviation security and cybersecurity should receive the same high priority and support as other aspects of civil aviation operations, focusing on risk-based and outcome-oriented policies to develop sustainable security measures.
“We cannot stand still,” declared ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano in his opening address to the Ministerial Segment. “We must innovate and evolve to counter new and existing threats. This is why we have gathered here today—to reaffirm our commitment to aviation and cyber security and unite to protect our critical infrastructure.”
The Declaration stresses the importance of information sharing for threat assessment and prevention, developing qualified security professionals, and implementing ICAO’s Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy. It also advocates that States ratify the Beijing Convention and Protocol of 2010 as essential instruments for deterring and responding to attacks against civil aviation.
Additionally, the Declaration calls for enhanced regional cooperation through initiatives like the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa and the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme for the Middle East. These programs support ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” goal by providing targeted assistance and capacity-building to States in need.
“This Declaration ensures our meeting will be recognized as a significant milestone in our aviation security journey,” remarked ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar in his closing address to the Ministerial Segment. “Together, we have reaffirmed our dedication to safeguarding our skies with determination, ambition, and unity of purpose.”
The Declaration was adopted during ICAO Security Week, held for the first time outside ICAO Headquarters. The Civil Aviation Authority of Oman generously hosted the event, showcasing its commitment to aviation security alongside its chairpersonship of the Middle East Regional Aviation Security & Facilitation Group and its dynamic contributions to global security initiatives.
The gathering coincided with several organizational milestones, including the 80th anniversary of the signature of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation and the 50th anniversary of the Convention’s Annex 17 on Aviation Security. During the week, ICAO also unveiled the second edition of its Global Aviation Security Plan, setting an ambitious target for States to reach or surpass 75 percent effective implementation of security standards by 2033.
The Declaration will guide preparations for the 42nd ICAO Assembly in 2025, driving the review of consolidated policies on aviation security and strengthening resolutions on cybersecurity.
On the sidelines of the event, ICAO leadership held numerous high-level bilateral meetings. ICAO Council President Sciacchitano met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Qatar Minister of Transport; Capt. Zhenjiang Hu, Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC); and H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Oman Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.
Secretary General Salazar engaged in discussions with David P. Pekoske, TSA Administrator; Dr. Abdulsalam Saleh Hamid Hadi, Yemen Minister of Transport; representatives from China and Oman; and Magda Kopczyńska of the EU Air Transport Directorate, DG MOVE.
