Transport Ministry directs Civil Aviation Authority to review conventions ahead of ratification

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has directed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to undertake a comprehensive review of all outstanding aviation conventions and protocols requiring ratification.

Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Enerst Chanda, said this was in a bid to ensure Zambia remained compliant with international obligations under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Chanda reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety, security and international cooperation following the deposition of the Instruments of Ratification to ICAO in Montreal, Canada.

He said the deposition follows guidance from the Office of the Vice President requesting the Ministry to deposit a number of key international aviation instruments aimed at enhancing global civil aviation governance and security.

The deposited Instruments of Ratification include, Protocol Amending Article 3 Bis by inserting Article 3 BIS, Protocol Amending Article 50 (A), Protocol Amending Article 56, and Protocol Amending the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft.

Others were the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Aviation, and Protocol Supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft.

“The deposition of the instruments represents a historic and progressive milestone in Zambia’s aviation sector as the country continues aligning its legal and institutional framework with evolving international civil aviation standards,” Chanda said.

He noted that the ratification and subsequent deposition of the instruments demonstrated Zambia’s resolve to combat emerging threats to civil aviation, including unlawful seizure of aircraft, terrorism-related activities, cyber threats, and the misuse of civil aircraft for unlawful purposes.

Chanda further emphasised that the move would enhance Zambia’s standing within the global aviation community while strengthening investor confidence, passenger safety, and international cooperation in aviation security matters.

“Government has since commenced legislative reforms aimed at domesticating the provisions contained in the various protocols and conventions,” he said.

Among the key reforms is the ongoing review of the Civil Aviation Act No. 5 of 2016 to incorporate provisions of Article 3 BIS, which prohibits the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and strengthens safeguards for passengers and crew during aircraft interception.

“Government is enhancing coordination among aviation authorities, law enforcement agencies, security wings and other stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms against evolving aviation-related crimes and threats,” Chanda stated

He reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring that Zambia remained a responsible and active member of the international aviation community through the promotion of safe, secure and sustainable air transport systems.

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