The world’s largest airlines are calling on the United Nations’ aviation regulator to increase the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67, citing an urgent need to address a global pilot shortage.
The proposal, submitted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will be considered by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) during its General Assembly beginning September 23. IATA, which represents around 350 airlines, argued that raising the age limit by two years is a “cautious but reasonable step consistent with safety.”
International regulations currently bar pilots over 65 from flying international routes, with many countries, including the United States, applying the same rule domestically. IATA’s proposal would still require two pilots in the cockpit, including at least one under 65 if the other is older.
The push comes nearly two decades after ICAO raised the retirement age from 60 to 65 in 2006. With air travel demand rebounding strongly post-pandemic, airlines warn that a shortage of experienced pilots could put pressure on flight operations worldwide.
However, the plan faces significant opposition, particularly from US pilot unions. The Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents American Airlines pilots, cautioned against the move, citing insufficient research on health and safety risks.
“We don’t gamble with safety that way,” said APA spokesperson and pilot Dennis Tajer.
Other major unions, including the Air Line Pilots Association and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, have also resisted efforts to raise the age cap. US unions previously blocked a similar initiative in 2023, despite strong backing from several airlines.
Last month, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers urged President Donald Trump’s administration to support international efforts to extend the retirement age, signalling growing political interest in the debate.
If approved, the ICAO proposal could reshape airline staffing policies worldwide, providing temporary relief to carriers struggling with pilot shortages—but reigniting questions over aviation safety and the limits of age in the cockpit.
Melissa Enoch
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