The importance of Taiwan’s inclusion in ICAO for global aviation safety, security, and human rights

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, is central to ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of international civil aviation. As global air travel rebounds in the post-pandemic era, ICAO’s Strategic Plan 2026-2050, themed "Safe Skies, Sustainable Future," calls for collaboration among all stakeholders, including member and non-member states, NGOs, and private enterprises, to build a resilient and inclusive aviation system. Yet, Taiwan, a vital regional aviation hub and responsible stakeholder, remains excluded from ICAO’s formal framework. This exclusion discriminates against Taiwan’s 23 million people and creates a dangerous gap that threatens the safety and efficiency of the global aviation network. As the 42nd ICAO Assembly convenes from September 23 to October 3, it is imperative for the international community to earnestly address Taiwan’s absence from this global civil aviation family.

Taiwan: a vital regional aviation hub

Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA), established in 1947, is the sole authority managing the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR), one of the busiest and most complex airspaces worldwide. The Taipei FIR oversees over 1.64 million flights annually, covering 18 international routes, four domestic routes, and 17 airports providing civil air services. Taiwan has signed air services agreements with 57 countries or regions. In 2024, 90 airlines operated passenger and cargo flights on 285 routes connecting Taiwan to 117 cities globally.

Taiwan’s airports served approximately 64 million passengers in 2024. According to Airports Council International, Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport ranked 13th worldwide for international passenger volume and 10th for air cargo volume. Additionally, Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air ranked 14th and 20th respectively in international air cargo volume in 2023, according to the International Air Transport Association. These figures underscore Taiwan’s indispensable role in the international aviation community.

Taiwan’s geographic location makes it a critical hub linking Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Its modern aviation infrastructure complies fully with international standards, reflecting a strong commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Commitment to international standards and safety

Although excluded from ICAO since 1971, Taiwan’s CAA consistently adheres to ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). This steadfast compliance highlights Taiwan’s dedication to maintaining the highest levels of aviation safety and security within its jurisdiction. Taiwan actively implements ICAO protocols on air traffic management, accident investigation, security, and environmental protection.

In 2013, Taiwan’s CAA director general was invited as a guest to the 38th ICAO Assembly, a rare acknowledgment of Taiwan’s role in global aviation. This precedent demonstrated the practical necessity of Taiwan’s engagement in international aviation governance to ensure seamless safety networks. Building on this, Taiwan calls on ICAO to invite the CAA to the 42nd Assembly to facilitate meaningful participation and enhance the safe and orderly advancement of international civil aviation.

Taiwan’s exclusion exposes discrimination and creates a critical gap

Restricting Taiwan’s involvement in the ICAO is a clear case of discrimination against its 23 million people, denying them equal participation in a forum that directly affects their safety and well-being. Aviation is inherently global, relying on transparent information sharing, coordination, and cooperation among all stakeholders. Excluding Taiwan marginalizes its population, undermines ICAO’s principles of fairness and inclusivity, and compromises the highest standards of aviation safety enshrined in the ICAO Charter.

This exclusion also infringes upon the human rights of Taiwan’s citizens. The right to safe travel and protection from aviation risks is fundamental. By excluding Taiwan, the international community denies its people equal access to the benefits and protections of global aviation governance.

Taiwan’s exclusion from ICAO creates a critical loophole that undermines global aviation safety and security. Effective air traffic management relies on real-time data exchange, coordinated procedures, and mutual recognition of standards – none of which Taiwan can fully participate in without formal ICAO membership. This gap not only jeopardizes Taiwan but also endangers the entire international aviation community, as the absence of official communication channels delays response and complicates coordination during incidents or security threats within or near the Taipei FIR. Furthermore, excluding Taiwan hampers vital collaboration on emerging challenges like cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, and advancing aviation technologies, putting the integrity of the global aviation system at risk.

Economic and environmental implication

Taiwan’s aviation sector is a major economic driver, supporting millions of jobs and facilitating billions in trade and tourism. Its airports and airlines are critical to supply chains connecting East Asia with global markets. Withholding Taiwan’s access to the ICAO undermines its economic potential and disrupts the efficiency and sustainability of international air transport routes and global trade.

Environmentally, Taiwan’s participation in ICAO initiatives is vital for advancing global efforts to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. Taiwan has implemented measures aligned with ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and other environmental programs. Inclusion would enable Taiwan to collaborate more effectively on sustainable aviation fuels, emissions monitoring, and green airport operations, contributing to the global goal of net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050.

Toward inclusive and safer skies

Given Taiwan’s indispensable role as a regional aviation hub and its proven commitment to international standards, ICAO must reconsider its exclusionary stance. Inviting Taiwan’s CAA to participate meaningfully in ICAO assemblies, meetings, and mechanisms would enhance the safety, security, and sustainability of the global aviation system. Inclusion would allow Taiwan to share expertise, contribute to policy development, and coordinate more effectively with other aviation authorities. It would also affirm the human rights of Taiwan’s 23 million people to equal participation in international forums that impact their safety and economic well-being.

ICAO’s Strategic Plan 2026-2050 emphasizes building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive aviation system. Taiwan’s inclusion aligns perfectly with this vision, closing safety gaps and strengthening the global civil aviation community. The international aviation industry thrives on cooperation and mutual trust; excluding a key player like Taiwan undermines these foundational principles.

Taiwan’s exclusion from ICAO is not a political issue – it is a critical safety and security risk to the global aviation community. As a major regional hub overseeing one of the world’s busiest flight information regions, Taiwan’s participation is essential for the effective and comprehensive operation of the international aviation system. Denying Taiwan equal participation violates the rights of its 23 million people and undermines the safety, security, and sustainability of global air transport. To achieve ICAO’s vision of "Safe Skies, Sustainable Future," inclusivity and collaboration are essential. Meaningful inclusion of Taiwan would strengthen international aviation governance, improve safety standards, advance environmental sustainability, and foster economic growth. The global civil aviation community must recognize Taiwan as a vital stakeholder and partner in building a safer, more sustainable future for all. (E)