Saudi Arabia has joined the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Aviation (Beijing Convention, 2010), affiliated with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The Beijing Convention addresses growing international concern over unlawful acts targeting civil aviation, which pose a direct threat to the safety of individuals and property and undermine societies’ confidence in the security and efficiency of air transport.

It criminalises such acts, strengthens deterrent legal frameworks, and establishes general principles for their comprehensive suppression.

The Beijing Convention modernises and consolidates related international legal instruments, particularly the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed in Montreal, Canada, in 1971, and its 1988 supplementary protocol, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the global legal framework in this field.

The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to protecting international civil aviation and enhancing its safety and security, reported Saudi Press Agency.

It aligns with the Kingdom’s policies and national regulations and comes as part of its active role in the international community.

Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia on the Council of ICAO Mohammed Habib deposited the instrument of accession with ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar during a formal ceremony.

Members of the Kingdom’s permanent delegation and Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations at ICAO Michael Gill attended the ceremony.

With this accession, Saudi Arabia becomes the 57th state party to the Beijing Convention, which will enter into force for the Kingdom on 1 June 2026.