Aviation Security Law: Tokyo, The Hague, and Montreal

A series of treaties, most negotiated in response to waves of hijackings, form the international legal framework against crimes aboard and against aircraft.

The Tokyo Convention (1963)

The Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft established which state has jurisdiction over offenses committed aboard an aircraft in flight, generally the state of registration, and gave aircraft commanders authority to restrain passengers who endanger safety.

The Hague Convention (1970)

The Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft was negotiated in response to a wave of hijackings. It requires states to make hijacking a serious offense and to either prosecute or extradite alleged offenders found in their territory, the principle known as "extradite or prosecute."

The Montreal Convention (1971)

The Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation extended the same framework to sabotage, attacks on aircraft in service, and destruction of air navigation facilities.

Annex 17

ICAO's Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention sets international standards for aviation security, including passenger and baggage screening and airport security programs. It has been strengthened repeatedly in response to new threats.

Why it matters for diplomacy

These treaties work only through cooperation. Extradition, intelligence sharing, and common screening standards all depend on agreements between governments, and embassies are often where that cooperation is arranged.