IATA WLS to Address Liability Challenges in Global Aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will host the World Legal Symposium (WLS) 2026 from 17–19 February in Warsaw, Poland, with LOT Polish Airlines as the host carrier. The theme this year is “Liability in a Changing World”.

Key Focus Areas
- Traditional vs. Emerging Liabilities: Airlines must manage classic insured risks alongside new compliance challenges such as ESG, greenwashing, taxation, privacy, and AI regulation.
- Global vs. National Rules: Internationally agreed liability principles are under pressure from divergent national measures, risking fragmentation of aviation law.
- Consumer Protection 2.0: Exploring how evolving consumer rights frameworks affect airline liability.
- Geopolitical Exposures: Trade tariffs, sanctions, and insurance complexities in a volatile global environment.
- AI & Competition Law: Examining how artificial intelligence intersects with competition and regulatory frameworks.
- Freight Forwarder Liability: Addressing the shifting responsibilities across carriers, agents, and shippers.

Speakers & Participants
The symposium will bring together aviation law experts, regulators, and industry leaders, including:
- Michael Gill (ICAO) – Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau
- Brian Hedberg (FedEx) – Lead Counsel, Aviation & International Regulatory Affairs
- Michelle Johnson (flydubai) – General Counsel & SVP Legal Affairs
- Imants Jansons (Air Baltic) – General Counsel & SVP Legal Affairs
- Andrea Tang (FIATA) – Legal Service Director
- Leading partners from firms like Victor Rane, Condon & Forsyth LLP, HFW, Clyde & Co, and more.

Why It Matters
- Uniformity at Risk: Diverging national laws could undermine the benefits of international liability treaties.
- Strategic Challenges: Airlines must adapt to new regulations, technologies, and societal expectations while maintaining global connectivity.
- Dialogue Platform: WLS provides a rare forum for in-house experts, private practitioners, and government advisers to collaborate on solutions.

This year’s WLS is positioned as a critical dialogue for the aviation legal community, ensuring airlines are better prepared to mitigate evolving risks in a rapidly changing world.