Aviation organization implements compensation increments for delays, death or injury on international flights

The new liability limits include an increase to $202,500 for death or injury, $8,400 for delays, and adjustments for baggage and cargo issues.

This adjustment follows ICAO’s announcement in October that the liability limits would be updated in line with the Montreal Convention’s built-in review mechanism.

This mechanism ensures that the limits are adjusted for inflation every five years, keeping pace with the evolving needs of the aviation industry and ensuring fair compensation for passengers and cargo shippers.

ICAO’s statement in October read, “Travelers will soon benefit from higher compensation limits for international flights, with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announcing that the Montreal Convention liability limits for death, injury, delays, baggage, and cargo issues will increase on 28 December 2024.” 

On Saturday, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), shared several photos of a news publication on his X account, announcing the increment.

His post read, “Important update: International passengers will now get more benefits as liability limits increase becomes effective.” 

The revised compensation limits are as follows:

This marks the fourth review since the treaty’s implementation in 2003, ensuring that compensation levels remain appropriate and reflective of modern travel needs.

Formally known as the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, the Montreal Convention provides a unified framework for the international carriage of passengers, baggage, and cargo by air.

The revised compensation limits are designed to balance the interests of travelers, cargo shippers, and the aviation industry.

The modernization of these limits also supports the broader goal of improving the overall passenger experience by making compensation processes more efficient and responsive to the needs of travelers in today’s dynamic aviation environment.