ICAO Expands Global Aviation Safety Plan for 2026–2028 Cycle
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has formally adopted an expanded framework for its Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) covering the 2026–2028 cycle, reinforcing a data-led, risk-based approach to safety oversight across contracting States.
The updated plan places greater emphasis on proactive risk identification, enhanced regional coordination, and measurable safety performance indicators. ICAO officials stated that the revised framework reflects evolving operational complexity, increased air traffic growth projections, and emerging risks associated with new technologies.
Key focus areas within the 2026–2028 GASP include:
Strengthening State Safety Programme (SSP) implementation
Enhancing Safety Management System (SMS) effectiveness monitoring
Reducing runway incursions and loss of control in-flight (LOC-I) events
Improving accident and serious incident data sharing across regions
Integrating oversight considerations for advanced air mobility and remotely piloted systems
ICAO has also introduced more structured benchmarking tools designed to help States assess their progress against global safety targets. The organisation reiterated its long-term objective of continuously reducing the global accident rate, particularly in regions where oversight capabilities remain uneven.
The expansion of the GASP aligns with ICAO’s broader strategic priorities, including sustainable growth, digital transformation, and increased resilience within the global aviation system.
Industry stakeholders, including airlines, regulators and training organisations, are expected to align their internal safety strategies with the updated framework throughout 2026. ICAO confirmed that regional aviation safety groups will play a central role in implementation and performance monitoring.
The revised Global Aviation Safety Plan takes effect from January 2026 and will guide international aviation safety policy through the end of 2028.