Russia Denied ICAO Council Seat as Organization Keeps Pilot Age Limit at 65
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has rejected two high-profile proposals during its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal, held from September 23 to October 3, 2025. Delegates voted against raising the mandatory retirement age for commercial airline pilots from 65 to 67 and denied Russia’s bid to rejoin ICAO’s 36-member governing council.
Pilot Retirement Age Stays at 65
The proposal to extend the international pilot retirement age was backed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which argued that a two-year increase could help ease pilot shortages without compromising safety. The motion sought to allow pilots to fly until 67 on multi-crew international operations, aligning more closely with domestic policies already under debate in countries such as the United States.
However, ICAO delegates opted to keep the current limit, maintaining the age cap at 65 years old. Pilots older than 65 will continue to be prohibited from operating international airline flights under ICAO standards.
Supporters, including U.S. lawmakers, had lobbied for change. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz urged President Donald Trump to endorse the extension, calling the limit “arbitrary” and a barrier to retaining experienced aviators. But powerful pilot unions opposed the move. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) warned of potential health and cognitive risks for older pilots and emphasized that insufficient safety data exists to justify raising the age.
The decision preserves a conservative rule that has guided international aviation for decades, prioritizing safety consistency over staffing relief.
Russia’s Council Seat Rejected
ICAO delegates also voted on Russia’s attempt to reclaim its seat on the organization’s governing council, which it lost in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine and the seizure of leased aircraft. The measure fell short, with Russia receiving 87 votes, six shy of the 93 required for re-election.
Russian representatives immediately called for a second ballot, but the assembly declined. Many member states, including those from the United States and European Union, cited ongoing airspace violations, GPS interference, and aviation safety concerns as reasons to block Moscow’s return.
The failed bid highlights Russia’s growing isolation within international aviation bodies. Without council representation, Moscow remains excluded from shaping ICAO policy at a time when sanctions continue to limit its access to aircraft parts, maintenance support, and overflight rights.
Implications for Aviation and Politics
The dual outcomes underscore ICAO’s cautious approach in balancing safety standards and geopolitical pressures.
For the United States, the decision on pilot retirement age complicates efforts to extend domestic limits. Even if U.S. lawmakers raise the age for domestic flights, American pilots over 65 would remain barred from international routes unless ICAO changes its rules. This tension could spark further debate in Washington, where airlines face acute pilot shortages.
For Russia, the rejection of its council bid is a symbolic and practical setback. The move reinforces global resistance to restoring Moscow’s influence in aviation governance while the conflict in Ukraine continues. It also highlights the ongoing divide between Russia and Western-aligned nations over aviation safety and rule enforcement.
By rejecting both the pilot retirement age extension and Russia’s return to its governing council, ICAO signaled a clear stance: stability, safety, and accountability remain the priority. For airlines, pilots, and governments, the decisions carry long-term implications—shaping labor rules, international operations, and the geopolitical balance of global aviation.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aerotime.aero