The International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented a proposal to raise the age limit for multipilot commercial air transport pilots from 65 to 67 at the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal.
The proposal, introduced during the technical commission meeting on Thursday, aims to follow the same approach used in 2006 when the age limit was previously increased from 60 to 65.
IATA emphasized that the proposed change would have “no impact on aviation safety” while reflecting modern medical understanding and improved population health. The association urged states to support the proposal and collaborate on developing harmonized medical oversight frameworks to ensure safety.
“We urge states to strongly support this proposal and to collaborate on the development of harmonized medical oversight frameworks that ensure safety whilst enabling experienced, medically fit, and competent pilots to continue contributing to our industry with their valuable experience,” IATA said.
The ICAO Secretariat responded by noting that “medical science is inconclusive on the effects of raising the age limit for pilots.” It referenced a recent survey that highlighted diverse state practices and identified deficiencies in aviation medical examination systems, including limited availability of reliable data on potential causes of pilot impairment or incapacitation.
Several states expressed support for the proposal. New Zealand backed the increase as a “pragmatic interim measure to mitigate current workforce issues,” while Japan called it a “necessary step” that would require risk assessment and mitigation measures like additional medical examinations.
Algeria, Jordan, Uruguay, Cuba, Mauritania, and Egypt also supported the proposal, with some advocating for necessary safety measures.
Opposing Nations
However, other nations voiced concerns. India recommended wider consultation and data collection before implementation, citing issues related to health, fatigue, cognitive decline, regulatory challenges, and impact on younger pilots’ career progression.
“…We believe that a carte blanche implementation of the same may require wider consultation and data collection with detailed study of aspects related to health, fatigue and decline in cognitive aspects, variation in population demographics, socioeconomic considerations, need for increased regulatory and oversight challenges, impact on younger pilots’ career progression, and lastly public perception and safety confidence,” India’s representative said.
China insisted discussions should be “based on sufficient data analysis,” noting that age is a key factor affecting flight safety and pilot health. Iran directly opposed the proposal, arguing it could restrict opportunities for the next generation and pose potential safety risks. Colombia expressed similar concerns about reaction time and performance in congested airspaces.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) raised “serious concerns” about the approach, stating that any decision to raise the maximum age must be based on “significant scientific research and have a clearly established safety case.” The organization criticized the proposal to implement the change before collecting safety evaluation data as “inconsistent with the working methods of ICAO and established safety practices.”
In response to the varied positions, the ICAO Commission acknowledged the ongoing discussions and noted the inconclusive state of current medical science regarding an increase in the upper age limit. The commission recognized the diverse practices among states and data challenges identified in their survey.
It expressed support for data generation and collection efforts to strengthen the aviation medical system in alignment with the “no country left behind” principle, which could eventually support a global increase in the age limit in a safe manner.
The commission urged all states to support ICAO in these activities to develop a comprehensive approach to pilot age limits based on evidence and international consensus.
At the General Assembly, formal voting takes place only during plenary sessions, where only the 193 States represented have voting rights. International organizations like IATA and IFALPA have a seat as observers but do not have voting rights.
Hot Topic in the U.S.
In a letter dated September 22, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) urged President Donald Trump to support raising the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots from 65 to 67. Cruz argued that the current policy forces experienced pilots into early retirement, exacerbating pilot shortages and increasing costs for consumers.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the largest pilot union in the United States, strongly opposes raising the retirement age. ALPA cites safety concerns, including increased health and cognitive risks for older pilots, and argues that any change should be based on thorough scientific analysis. Despite support from some lawmakers and industry groups, Congress rejected a similar proposal in 2024 as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act.
The United States did not comment during the ICAO General Assembly on raising the retirement age.
