The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has officially implemented new compensation limits for international flights, effective December 28, 2024. These changes, aligned with the Montreal Convention, aim to provide fairer compensation to passengers and cargo shippers while ensuring airlines adapt to modern travel needs.
Under the revised limits, Death or Bodily Injury compensation rises from 128,821 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to 151,880 SDRs, equivalent to approximately $202,500. Meanwhile, the limits for passenger transport delays increase from 5,346 SDRs to 6,303 SDRs (around $8,400).
Baggage Loss or Delay compensation goes from 1,288 SDRs to 1,519 SDRs (approximately $2,000), while the limit for Cargo Loss or Damage rises from 22 SDRs to 26 SDRs per kilogramme (around $35).
The adjustments were introduced as part of ICAO’s review mechanism under the Montreal Convention, which mandates inflation-based revisions every five years. This marks the fourth review since the treaty’s adoption in 2003.
The Montreal Convention, formally known as the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, provides a standardised framework for international air travel, ensuring fair treatment of passengers and cargo handlers. The latest updates aim to balance the interests of travellers, airlines, and cargo shippers while streamlining operations and reducing administrative burdens.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), highlighted the change on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “International passengers will now get more benefits as liability limits increase becomes effective.”
ICAO has informed its 140 State Parties to the Montreal Convention about the revised limits and encouraged them to update their domestic laws to comply with the new compensation standards.
