International Civil Aviation Organization ponders over increasing pilot retirement age
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has proposed a contentious change that could alter the aviation industry: raising the retirement age for airline pilots from 65 to 67. This proposal, submitted in a working paper in late August, is now under discussion at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly, which is meeting in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, 2025.
The ICAO General Assembly is a global gathering of aviation authorities, and the outcome of this debate could lead to a new global standard. However, each member country must decide whether to adopt these standards into their national rules.
IATA argues that health data and medical advances support this proposed change. They suggest that any crew with a pilot over 65 should also include another pilot under 65, ensuring a balance of experience and youth. The aim is to help airlines keep experienced pilots and prevent air travel growth limitations due to pilot shortages, a consequence of the surge in air travel demand.
However, not everyone is in favour of this change. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has issued a statement rejecting the idea, and the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, has raised concerns about the proposed change.
Despite the IATA's assertions, data on accident rates and pilot age has not shown a clear pattern of higher risk solely due to pilot age in these categories. Internationally, similar frameworks allow business jet pilots and many others to keep flying without an upper age limit, contingent on medical certification. Some countries already allow pilots to continue flying past 65 without obvious safety issues, notably certain European countries and the United States.
Regulators point to the medical oversight process as the main safeguard. However, safety experts caution that the scale and complexity of airline operations raise the stakes. Therefore, stricter limits are needed for airline crews to ensure safety.
The outcome could be a compromise, such as gradual adoption with stricter medical checks for older pilots, or a delay while ICAO gathers more data. The ICAO General Assembly could vote to adopt the proposal, amend it, or call for more study. The decision will have significant implications for the aviation industry, affecting the careers of thousands of pilots and the travel plans of millions of passengers.
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