IATA Warns of Growing Legal, Regulatory Risks for Global Airlines

IATA Warns of Growing Legal, Regulatory Risks for Global Airlines

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns over mounting legal and regulatory risks confronting airlines globally.

As the industry evolves, airlines are facing increased pressure from both traditional insured risks and new compliance demands.

These challenges are largely tied to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Issues such as greenwashing, taxation, privacy, and the integration of artificial intelligence are reshaping the legal landscape for carriers.

IATA announced these concerns alongside plans for the 2026 World Legal Symposium in Warsaw, Poland. The event, hosted by LOT Polish Airlines, will focus on “Liability in a Changing World” and bring together industry experts.

The association noted that shifting consumer protection rules and evolving trade tariffs are complicating operations.

Geopolitical developments further contribute to the inconsistencies that airlines must navigate to maintain global connectivity.

IATA’s Corporate Secretary and Acting General Counsel, Leslie MacIntosh, highlighted the danger of divergent national policies. She emphasized that these varied measures threaten the uniform application of international liability treaties.

Regarding these complications, MacIntosh stated: “Internationally agreed airline liability principles are facing growing pressure from divergent national measures, which risk undermining the uniform application of the international liability treaties and their benefits to connectivity.”