ICAO Meeting: Implications of Increasing Pilot Retirement Age

Health Data and Airline Pilots

As the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly assembles from September 23 to October 3, 2025, in Montreal, a significant topic of discussion will be the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) proposal to increase the retirement age for airline pilots from 65 to 67.

IATA presented this proposal in a working paper submitted in late August. They assert that advancements in health data and medical care substantiate what they characterize as a “cautious but reasonable step” in the interest of safety.

Retaining Experienced Pilots

According to IATA, if a pilot over 65 is on duty, there should be another pilot under 65 on the crew to mitigate any potential in-flight medical emergencies. This change aims to enable airlines to retain seasoned pilots, especially during a period when pilot shortages pose a risk to the growth of air travel worldwide.

While ICAO has the authority to approve new global standards, the implementation of these standards depends on individual member countries. Should the assembly endorse the increase in retirement age, it will ultimately fall to governments to decide how to implement this change, which may meet with resistance.

Historical Context

The last change to the international retirement age occurred in 2006 when it was adjusted from 60 to 65.

Pilot Unions Push Back

The proposed increase has faced strong opposition from pilot unions. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing over 77,000 pilots across the U.S. and Canada, has publicly rejected the IATA’s proposal.

They emphasized, “The United States is the global leader in aviation safety, and we should resist any attempts to arbitrarily make changes to the regulatory framework that has helped us achieve this record.” They believe the U.S. should continue leading on this matter and maintain the current retirement age.

Concerns from Airlines

The Allied Pilots Association, representing American Airlines pilots, has echoed similar concerns. Spokesperson Dennis Tajer remarked that there is not enough evidence on the risks associated with raising the pilot retirement age. He stated, “We don’t gamble with safety that way.”

Union leaders argue that, although life expectancy has increased, there is insufficient data regarding the cognitive and health challenges pilots face into their late 60s. They caution that a delayed retirement age could hinder promotions, complicate scheduling, and affect training opportunities for younger pilots.

The Argument for Change

In contrast, airlines highlight that mandatory retirements are displacing thousands of qualified pilots just as the demand for air travel is escalating. IATA points out that pilots are required to pass regular medical exams, and some countries already permit pilots to fly beyond 65 without evident safety concerns.

Currently, commercial airline pilots operating under ICAO regulations must retire at 65, but this rule does not extend to pilots in general aviation or other commercial operations. In the U.S., for instance, pilots conducting private or non-scheduled commercial flights can continue flying indefinitely as long as they meet medical certification requirements.

Safety data does not indicate a clear risk linked to pilot age in these categories. Instead, regulators emphasize that the medical oversight process serves as the chief safeguard. Nonetheless, safety experts warn that the complexity of airline operations necessitates stricter age limits for airline crews.

Possible Outcomes from the Assembly

During the Assembly, delegates will discuss the proposed changes and may vote to adopt, amend, or call for further studies on the matter. Observers suggest the outcome could result in a compromise, perhaps suggesting gradual implementation accompanied by stricter medical evaluations for older pilots, or a postponement until ICAO can gather more comprehensive data.

What are your thoughts on raising the pilot retirement age?