Global – The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has rejected a proposal to raise the mandatory pilot retirement age from 65 to 67, following deliberations at its 42nd Assembly, held from September 23 to October 3, 2025.
- The proposal was submitted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and supported by numerous airlines seeking relief from a regional specific global pilot shortage.
- IATA’s position emphasized that extending the retirement age would enable operators to retain experienced pilots longer while mitigating training pipeline bottlenecks.
- However, ICAO member states opposed the measure, citing concerns around aviation safety and age-related health risks, and ultimately voted to maintain the current age cap.
- As a result, pilots aged 65 and above remain prohibited from operating international commercial flights, consistent with ICAO’s standing international standards.
Source: ICAO
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