Why ICAO Rejected IATA’s Proposal to Raise the Pilot Retirement Age

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) officially turned down a proposal from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots. 

The proposal, discussed during ICAO’s 42nd General Assembly in Montreal, aimed to extend the upper age limit for multi-crew international operations from 65 to 67. While the change may seem minor, it sparked significant debate across the aviation industry, especially as airlines worldwide struggle to fill cockpit seats. 

In the early days of commercial aviation, pilots were required to retire as early as 45. That limit gradually rose to 60 in the 1940s, before ICAO increased it again to 65 in 2006. 

IATA’s latest proposal argued that allowing pilots to fly for an additional two years would help address the ongoing global pilot shortage without compromising safety. Many airlines supported the move, saying it could ease staffing pressure while providing more time to train new pilots. 

The Pilot Shortage Problem 

The demand for flight crew continues to grow as airlines expand their fleets and networks. Between 2024 and 2043, it is estimated that the world will require between 649,000 and 674,000 new pilots, a figure that has increased from previous projections. 

Boeing’s latest Pilot and Technician Outlook presents a similar view, projecting that approximately 660,000 new pilots will be needed over the next two decades to support the growth of global air travel. 

In its proposal, IATA explained that when the retirement age was previously raised from 60 to 65, there was no increase in safety incidents. It also cited examples from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, which have no upper age limit for pilots. 

Nevertheless, despite support from several member states, ICAO voted to maintain the global limit at 65, citing safety and health concerns related to aging flight crews. 

The decision means pilots who reach the age of 65 will continue to be ineligible to operate international multi-crew flights. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing over 80,000 pilots across the U.S. and Canada, welcomed ICAO’s ruling. 

ALPA President Jason Ambrosi said the focus should remain on improving training, modernising systems, and addressing operational challenges rather than altering retirement regulations. 

“Raising the pilot retirement age is a solution in search of a problem,” Ambrosi said. “It distracts from the real needs of our industry, like modernising air traffic control. We should resist any political attempts not backed by data or science that could disrupt U.S. aviation and put us out of step with international standards.” 

However, others believe ICAO missed an opportunity to adapt to modern realities. Captain Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, commented that advances in healthcare and longer life expectancy make it reasonable for pilots to continue flying safely beyond 65. 

“People are living longer and staying healthier,” he said. “Preventive medicine has changed the game. At 65, many pilots are still strong, alert, and capable. Keeping them in the cockpit not only helps with shortages but ensures that experienced captains can train the next generation.” 

While ICAO rejected the global change, several countries have already raised their national limits. Argentina, for example, increased its retirement age to 68 in 2024, if flights include more than one pilot. Officials there cited both medical advances and growing demand as reasons for the change. 

Japan also allows pilots to work until the age of 68, although those aged 66 and 67 are restricted to domestic routes. Neither country has reported any increase in safety issues among pilots over 65, strengthening the case that the limit could be safely extended. 

What’s Next for ICAO’s Age Policy 

ICAO has confirmed that it will continue to review the pilot age policy in the coming years through an evidence-based process. Any future decision to raise the age limit to 67 will depend on thorough data analysis, safety assessments, and medical research. 

For now, the retirement age remains at 65, a figure that continues to divide opinion between those prioritising safety standards and those focused on keeping the industry’s most experienced pilots in the air a little longer.