The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) holds an Assembly Session every three years. This forum serves as an important venue for multilateral meetings and discussions to formulate global civil aviation regulations and standards.

The decisions made at the Assembly Session are adhered to by member states to ensure the safe, orderly, and sustainable growth of international civil aviation.

The 42nd ICAO Assembly Session is scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 3, 2025, at the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada, promoting a long-term strategic plan titled «Safe Skies, Sustainable Future.»

ICAO emphasizes its commitment to cooperate with all stakeholders, including member states, non-members, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector, to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable international aviation system.

In line with this goal, Taiwan calls for ICAO to allow full participation of Taiwan in the Assembly Session, technical meetings, and other mechanisms to ensure regional aviation safety and development needs, while also realizing the vision of safe skies leading to a sustainable future.

The Importance of the Taipei FIR

The Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR) encompasses one of the busiest air routes in East Asia and is an integral part of the more than 300 FIRs in the ICAO network. In this context, the Taiwan Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) is the sole agency responsible for overseeing the Taipei FIR.

The CAA provides comprehensive flight information services and manages air routes to ensure the safety and efficiency of all flights entering, leaving, or transiting through this region.

From a risk management and safety perspective, ICAO should grant the CAA the opportunity to participate on an equal footing with other FIR management authorities. This is crucial for the Taipei FIR to communicate directly with other FIRs and with ICAO, enabling the swift and accurate flow of information.

However, in recent years, China has frequently declared temporary danger zones, implemented airspace reservations, and established military exercise areas within the Taipei FIR, despite having no jurisdiction over the region.

These actions are taken without meeting ICAO’s requirement for at least seven days’ prior notification, causing serious disruptions to flight safety both within the Taipei FIR and in surrounding FIRs.

Taiwan’s Commitment to Global Aviation

The international aviation industry currently faces various challenges stemming from both natural factors and human actions, such as climate change, energy crises, and global geopolitical tensions.

Taiwan, which manages heavy traffic in the Taipei FIR, consistently strives to be a responsible stakeholder in the international aviation community.

The CAA has launched a State Safety Program, adopted ICAO standards, and cooperated with industry stakeholders to build a safety oversight system. As a result, Taiwan has achieved an excellent safety record.

Specifically, during the period 2020–2024, the accident rate for both turbofan and turboprop aircraft reached zero incidents per million flights.

Taiwan’s aviation industry has also gained global recognition. For example, EVA Air was named one of the world’s safest full-service airlines by AirlineRatings.com and ranked as the seventh safest airline in 2025.

Furthermore, to support sustainable development, the CAA has incorporated the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) into national law and launched a pilot program for sustainable aviation fuel in April 2025.

This step confirms Taiwan’s determination to make tangible contributions to the transformation towards net-zero emission targets. However, despite these efforts, Taiwan’s access to critical information remains limited because it is not allowed to participate in technical meetings or training organized by ICAO.

In this regard, ICAO should uphold the principle of «No One Left Behind» by opening the door for Taiwan’s equal participation.

A Crucial Moment to Embrace Taiwan

Aviation safety knows no national borders. For decades, Taiwan, through the CAA, has consistently upheld the highest standards of service and safety in the Taipei FIR, while adhering to ICAO standards and recommendations.

As part of the international aviation community, Taiwan shares the same responsibility for maintaining regional and global flight safety.

Taiwan’s participation in ICAO would enable closer collaboration with other countries, allowing it to contribute positively to the development of global aviation and the well-being of humanity.

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International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1944 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). Its primary purpose is to manage the administration and governance of the Convention, promoting the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation worldwide by setting global standards and regulations.

ICAO headquarters

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) headquarters is located in Montreal, Canada. Established in 1947, ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations created to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention), which was signed in 1944. Its primary mission is to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation worldwide.

Montreal

Montreal is a major French-speaking city in Canada, founded in 1642 as a missionary settlement called Ville-Marie. It grew into a vital hub for the fur trade and later became a leading industrial and cultural centre. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture like Old Montreal, and its status as a bilingual metropolis.

Canada

Canada is a vast North American country with a rich history shaped by Indigenous peoples for millennia, followed by European colonization starting in the 15th century. It evolved from a collection of British and French colonies into a self-governing dominion and is now a bilingual, multicultural federation. Known for its diverse landscapes and modern, progressive cities, its history is central to its identity as a peaceful and inclusive nation.

Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR)

The Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR) is an airspace managed by the Civil Aeronautics Administration of Taiwan for the provision of air traffic control services. Its establishment is based on international aviation agreements under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). While FIRs are functional divisions for flight safety, the status of the Taipei FIR is a subject of political consideration due to the unique international status of Taiwan.

Taiwan Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA)

The Taiwan Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) is the national aviation authority responsible for regulating and managing civil aviation and air navigation services in the Taiwan area. It was originally established in 1947 as part of China’s Civil Aeronautics Administration. The CAA’s primary functions include ensuring flight safety, managing air traffic control, and overseeing airport operations.

EVA Air

EVA Air is a major Taiwanese airline founded in 1989 as part of the Evergreen Group. It has grown to become internationally recognized, particularly for its high-quality service and safety record, earning a 5-star rating from Skytrax. The airline is known for its «Hello Kitty» themed jets and serves as a key carrier connecting Taiwan to destinations across Asia and the globe.

AirlineRatings.com

AirlineRatings.com is a prominent aviation safety and product rating website launched in 2013. It was founded by a team of experienced aviation journalists to provide independent safety analysis and airline reviews for travelers. The site is best known for its annual Airline Excellence Awards, which highlight the world’s safest and top-rated airlines.