IATA calls for investigation into Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 incident

IATA has issued a statement following the confirmation from Russia and Azerbaijan that a tragic incident involving Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 occurred in Russian airspace near military operations. The organization emphasized that "civil aircraft must never be the intended or accidental target of military operations."

The potential involvement of military activities in this incident, as suggested by both governments, underscores the need for "a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation," according to Walsh. He stressed the importance of adhering to international obligations under the Chicago Convention, which requires an interim report to be published within 30 days. Walsh also stated that if it is determined that combatants are responsible for this tragedy, they "must be held accountable and brought to justice."

In October 2024, amidst rising global conflicts, IATA reminded the UN Security Council about state obligations under Article 48 of the Protocol to the Geneva Conventions. This article mandates that combatants must not target civilian objects. Additionally, states are required by the Chicago Convention to protect civil aircraft and passengers during flight and refrain from using force against them.