Date: Monday, 7th December 2026; 33rd Annual Day.
Founder: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the United Nations
Objective:
International Civil Aviation Day is annually observed to “help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.”
Inception:
International Civil Aviation Day was initially established in 1994 by the ICAO to mark its 50th anniversary, which was created on 7 December 1944.
In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day through the resolution A/RES/51/33.
Annual theme of International Civil Aviation Day
Every five years, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries, the ICAO Council establishes a special anniversary theme for the International Civil Aviation Day. Between these anniversary years, Council representatives select a single theme for the full four-year intervening period.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the theme of International Civil Aviation Day is “Safe Skies & Sustainable Future for All” from 2024 until 2028. This theme highlights the long-term essential aspirations that anchor ICAO’s Strategic Plan for 2050.
The theme of International Civil Aviation Day was “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development” from 2000 to 2023.
To mark the 75th anniversary of the ICAO, the 2019 theme of International Civil Aviation Day was “75 Years of Connecting the World.”
From 2015 to 2018, the theme of International Civil Aviation Day was “Working Together to Ensure No Country Is Left Behind.”
Official websites:
www.un.org/en/observances/civil-aviation-day
www.icao.int/secretariat/secretarygeneral/aviationday/pages/default.aspx
