ICAO Says No: Pilots Cannot Fly Internationally After 65
Provided by Stephan Eriksson with Astra Law Firm
Experience vs. Regulations
In October 2025, ICAO’s General Assembly in Montreal voted against IATA’s proposal to allow pilots in international service to fly up to age 67. Safety was cited as the top concern. Although numerous studies show older pilots do not cause more incidents, ICAO will keep the age limit at 65 for the time being.
ALPA, the major pilot union in North America, argued that raising the retirement age targets a non-existent problem. Many aviation professionals, however, believe ICAO is missing a chance to retain exceptional cockpit experience precisely when the industry needs it.
Countries That Go Beyond ICAO’s Limits
Some countries have already raised or removed age restrictions for commercial pilots:
- Argentina allows pilots to fly until age 68 as long as they are not the sole pilot in the cockpit.
- Japan permits domestic flights for pilots up to age 68.
- Australia and Canada have no maximum age at all.
Reports from these countries show no increase in incidents among older pilots—in fact, studies suggest experience often outweighs age in evaluating safety risk.
Pilot Shortage Looms Large
The aviation industry faces a dramatic workforce gap. Boeing forecasts nearly 660,000 new pilots will be needed globally over 20 years. When captains retire and airlines expand, long-haul routes are hit hardest, raising concerns about a talent shortage. IATA maintains that allowing pilots to work longer could help bridge the gap and allow more time for training younger aviators.
Experience, Not Birth Year
Some critics insist the retirement debate should focus more on individual medical fitness and less on age. Medical advances, improved evaluations, and digital flight systems mean healthy older pilots can meet today’s rigorous standards. Captain Ado Sanusi of Aero Contractors argues: “People are living longer, healthier, and more productive even after 60. Why shouldn’t this apply to pilots?”
Decision making, routine, and trust—attributes pilots develop over many years—may matter more than reaction speed alone.
ICAO’s Decision and Context
ICAO’s Assembly (23 September–3 October 2025) reviewed the IATA proposal and supporting research. IATA cited safety data from countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, showing no problems with higher age limits. They also suggested safeguards such as requiring one co-pilot to be under 65 and more frequent medical checks.
ICAO member states nevertheless rejected the proposal, influenced by pilot union statements and caution about cognitive risks in older age. ICAO will continue reviewing pilot age rules, but for now retains the international limit at 65 and the single-pilot commercial limit at 60. Individual nations may set their own domestic limits, but ICAO’s standard governs international flights.