What New Global Aviation Safety Plan Changes Will ICAO Implement?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted its newest Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP).

This update, known as the 2026–2028 edition, sets the global aviation standards for the coming years. The plan’s core purpose is reducing aviation accidents and fatalities worldwide. It guides States and industry partners toward a common safety strategy. This strategy is critical for maintaining the air transport safety record.

The Vision for Global Aviation Safety

The GASP presents a clear, ambitious vision for the industry. The ultimate goal is to achieve and maintain zero fatalities in commercial operations by 2030 and beyond. This aspirational target aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The plan promotes a continuous improvement model for safety performance.

It provides a framework for developing both Regional Aviation Safety Plans (RASPs) and National Aviation Safety Plans (NASPs).

Key Focus Areas and New Targets

The 2026–2028 GASP introduces new and revised targets. It seeks to address current challenges facing many States. These challenges include insufficient financial resources for ICAO safety oversight and a lack of qualified technical personnel.

New targets focus on strengthening aviation safety planning at all levels. A significant new target requires all States to assess their level of implementation for their State Safety Programme (SSP) by the end of 2026. This step will help establish a baseline for SSP implementation globally.

Furthermore, the plan expands its risk focus beyond traditional areas. It now addresses other global risk categories of occurrences, such as turbulence encounters. This change reflects recent accidents and incidents. The plan maintains the five Global High-Risk Categories of Occurrences (G-HRCs):

• Controlled flight into terrain
• Loss of control in-flight
• Mid-air collision
• Runway excursion
• Runway incursion

Industry and Regulatory Impact

The GASP is a fundamental document for regulators like EASA and industry bodies such as IATA. It emphasizes the effective implementation of safety management systems (SMS).

Airlines and airports must align their operations with the GASP’s goals. The plan promotes a risk-based approach to managing safety. It also calls for enhanced aviation data collection and analysis. This is essential for proactive risk mitigation.

Collaboration remains a central theme. The plan requires strong commitment from States to allocate sufficient resources. They must meet their national and international safety obligations. This collaborative framework is vital for international civil aviation organization efforts. The GASP, published as ICAO Doc 10004, is typically updated every three years.

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