Make air travel safer: Prime Minister urges UN

Air September 20, 2016

Theresa May has urged world leaders to seek action in making air travel safer.

A landmark UN Security Council resolution on aviation security was put forward at her first UN General Assembly, in the wake of the Metrojet disaster in Egypt.

The UK has been driving efforts to improve adherence to international safety standards in airports around the world, this has included as sharing practical expertise with countries around the world. While the first ever UN Security Council resolution on aviation security has been put forward by the UK, with the aim of galvanising international action to better protect people from the terrorist threat to air travel.

Following the suspected laptop bomb on a flight from Mogadishu and attacks on airport Brussels and Istanbul, the resolution calls on:

the International Civil Aviation Organisation to establish individual countries’ compliance with international standards
countries to ensure that they have effective measures in place through enhancing screening, security checks and facility security
developed countries to provide technology assistance and resources to help other countries provide more effective domestic aviation security measures
promote the development of new technologies
require airlines to provide advance passenger information

Ahead of her visit to the UN, the Prime Minister said: “In the face of an increasing terrorist threat, it is vital that we work with other countries to keep our people safe. I am determined that the UK should take a leading role in driving progress towards greater aviation security. This historic UN resolution will galvanise international action to improve security measures – and focus support on countries more vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

“The UK is already sharing our expertise in this area and the new resolution will be another step forward in the fight against terrorism, helping to make it safer for British tourists travelling by air.”

Prior to the proposal, Mrs May has secured the backing of China, the United States and France, with Russia close to agreeing the proposals. The resolution is timed to coincide with the triennial assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which takes place directly after UNGA and where further practical action could be agreed.

The UK has already taken a number of steps to improve international aviation security, including:

substantially expanding our network of UK Aviation Security Liaison Officers to ensure the safety of British travellers across the globe
conducting regular reviews of security measures at airports around the world
helping to improve security at airports in North Africa and Asia.