Representative ImageThe International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), and Airports Council International (ACI) have jointly launched a new initiative to enhance runway safety. Announced on 28 July 2026, the initiative seeks to mitigate the risk of runway incursions, which occur when aircraft, vehicles, or individuals are incorrectly present on a runway or its protected area.
The Joint Runway Safety Initiative focuses on three key areas: improving safety reporting and data capture, strengthening Local Runway Safety Teams, and sharing progress and lessons learnt. These efforts aim to foster better coordination among airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and other stakeholders to prevent incidents.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety, and Security, emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating, “This initiative brings airlines, airports, and air navigation service providers together to identify runway risks earlier and take coordinated action.”
The initiative builds on existing global efforts, such as the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (GAPPRI) and the ICAO Global Runway Safety Action Plan. It will utilise tools and programmes developed by IATA, CANSO, and ACI, including risk-assessment resources and runway safety checklists.
Andrea Sack, Senior Vice President, Global Operations at CANSO, highlighted the role of Local Runway Safety Teams, saying, “Strong Local Runway Safety Teams bring controllers, airports, airlines, and other operational partners together to identify risks and agree on practical actions.”
The initiative underscores the critical role of airports in ensuring safety, as noted by Darryl Dowd, Vice President of Safety, Security, and Operations at ACI World: “Local knowledge and sustained collaboration are what turn safety guidance into real reductions in risk.”
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