Zambia’s Cabinet has approved the ratification and accession to a series of international aviation conventions and protocols aimed at strengthening aviation safety and aligning the country’s legal framework with global standards.
Cabinet approved the ratification of the 2010 Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts relating to International Civil Aviation. The Convention seeks to address gaps identified in earlier frameworks, including the 1971 Montreal Convention, particularly in relation to modern threats such as the use of civil aircraft as weapons, acts of sabotage, unlawful seizure, cyberattacks on air navigation systems, and the involvement of organised terrorist networks. The Convention entered into force on 1 July 2018.
In addition, Cabinet approved Zambia’s accession to the Protocol amending the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (Montreal, 2014). The amendment expands jurisdiction to enable Zambia to take action against unruly passengers on aircraft registered in foreign states. The measure is intended to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent and address incidents of disruptive behaviour on board aircraft, while promoting cooperation among contracting states in maintaining order and discipline.
Cabinet also approved the ratification of the Protocol Supplementary to the 1970 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (Beijing Protocol, 2010). The Protocol addresses evolving aviation risks, including organised hijacking networks, the use of technology in unlawful acts, and preparatory activities linked to unlawful interference. It further enhances cooperation among member states in the prevention, prosecution, and extradition of offenders.
The approvals are intended to align Zambia’s aviation legal framework with international civil aviation standards and best practices in response to emerging global threats.
