IATA Chief Slams Algeria’s Airspace Ban on Moroccan Planes, Citing Aviation Industry Harm

In Willie Walsh’s eyes, President of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this measure not only constitutes a blatant violation of the Chicago Convention on Civil Aviation, but it also harms the aviation industry and goes against the principles defended by IATA. "Our sector is truly prosperous when all air routes remain open. The closure of certain air routes has negative repercussions on the entire industry," he said during the third edition of the International Conference on Air Safety and Operations in Marrakech.

"Any closure of airspace significantly affects our business," stressed Willie Walsh, calling on governments to strictly respect the terms of the Chicago Convention. He also assured that IATA is "constantly working for an open sky for all airlines, without restriction."

On another note, the IATA President discussed the impact of armed conflicts, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian tensions in Gaza, the conflicts in Lebanon, the friction between the United States and China, on the aviation sector. These crises represent major challenges for air safety, specifying that IATA is taking measures to protect airlines and their passengers from these threats.