MUSCAT, DEC 9
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has issued a draft of the Muscat Declaration on Aviation Security and Cybersecurity during its 2024 Security Week, currently taking place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. This marks the first time the prestigious event is being held outside ICAO’s headquarters in Canada. The official announcement of the declaration is expected on December 11, 2024.
The declaration outlines a global strategy to enhance aviation security and cybersecurity amid evolving threats. Ministers, aviation officials, and industry leaders from around the world have convened in Muscat to address pressing aviation security challenges and reinforce international cooperation.
KEY PRIORITIES IN THE DECLARATION
The Muscat Declaration builds on ICAO Assembly Resolutions A41-18 and A41-19, reaffirming global commitment to securing international air travel. It stresses that aviation is vital to global connectivity, economic development, and tourism, necessitating robust and unified security frameworks.
Among its core priorities are: Countering Emerging Threats: Strengthening defences against insider threats, cyberattacks, and other aviation-related risks; Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Encouraging countries to ratify international conventions aimed at combating unlawful acts targeting civil aviation; Resource Allocation and Workforce Development: Ensuring adequate funding and specialised training for aviation security professionals; and Information Sharing and Risk Management: Establishing mechanisms for real-time intelligence-sharing to enable proactive threat management.
CYBERSECURITY AS A STRATEGIC FOCUS
Given the aviation sector’s growing reliance on digital infrastructure, the declaration places cybersecurity on equal footing with physical security. It calls for immediate actions such as: Implementing ICAO’s Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy and Cybersecurity Action Plan; Conducting regular cybersecurity training for aviation personnel; Strengthening partnerships between governments, industry players, and international organisations; The declaration underscores that safeguarding aviation infrastructure is essential for global stability and economic growth. It warns that any security lapse could disrupt international trade, tourism, and connectivity.
ENHANCING REGIONAL COLLABORATION
The Muscat Declaration highlights the importance of regional cooperation through ICAO-led initiatives, including: The Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa (AFI SECFAL Plan); The Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (CASP-MID); The Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP); These programmes aim to harmonise aviation security measures while boosting operational capabilities across member states.
ICAO Security Week 2024 continues with high-level discussions, technical workshops, and strategy sessions on aviation security, cybersecurity, and industry best practices. The event underscores Oman’s growing role as a strategic hub for international aviation and its commitment to advancing global aviation security standards. The event coincides with two major anniversaries: the 80th year of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the 50th anniversary of Annex 17 – Aviation Security.
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