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The Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99) establishes a modern framework for airline liability in cases of passenger injury or death, baggage loss or damage, and cargo issues. While the core text of MC99 remains unchanged, the limits of liability under Articles 21 and 22 are subject to periodic review.
In accordance with Article 24 of MC99, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reviews these limits every five years to account for inflation and other economic factors. The most recent revision took effect on 28 December 2024, and the updated limits can be accessed via the official ICAO document: 2024 Revised Limits of Liability Under the Montreal Convention of 1999 (pdf)
Read the full MC99 text (pdf)
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Campaigning for global ratification
The global ratification of MC99 is an industry priority. MC99 gives consumers better protection and compensation and facilitates faster air cargo shipments, while airlines enjoy greater certainty about the rules affecting their liability. Universal ratification of MC99 by States will provide significant benefits to all parties:
- Passengers will benefit from fairer compensation and greater protection.
- Shippers and those involved in the air cargo supply chain will benefit from the ability to make claims without the need for expensive and time consuming litigation. They will also be able to replace paper documents of carriage, such as Air Waybills, with electronic versions, thus facilitating faster and more efficient trade.
- Finally, airlines will benefit from greater certainty about the rules governing their liability across their international route network. IATA is thus advocating for the urgent ratification of MC99 by all remaining states.
MC99 also establishes the legal framework that allows airlines to make use of electronic documentation for shipments, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Collaboration is key
However, only 141 of the 191 ICAO-contracting States, or 72% of the total are Parties to it. This means that a patchwork of liability regimes continue exists around the world. The result is unfairness, confusion and complexity in determining which regime covers a particular passenger or cargo itinerary. Claims handling and litigation from accidents or incidents are unnecessarily complicated.
Recognizing the significant benefits that MC99 offers, the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that took place in 2025 adopted a Consolidated Statement of Continuing ICAO Policies in the Legal Field (Appendix D) urging the universal ratification of MC99 by member States. IATA is supporting this Resolution and is working with governments to promote the benefits of MC99.
Position paper
- A Universal Liability Regime for International Carriage by Air - MC99 (pdf)
- Airlines magazine: Dossier: Fit for purpose - The Chicago Convention (January 2019)