Amid rising threats
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) have signed a new agreement to boost the security of international airmail, amid growing concerns over cargo safety and the rise in global e-commerce volumes.
The joint commitment, announced in a formal statement, aims to strengthen operational standards by aligning the aviation and postal sectors under a unified security framework.
The partnership will support efforts to modernise screening procedures, improve cross-sector information exchange, and promote the use of advanced security technologies.
The move comes as global airmail volumes continue to grow, particularly with the expansion of e-commerce markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo demand rose by 12.5% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, primarily driven by increased online retail and cross-border shipping.
In the Gulf region, air cargo plays a critical role in linking logistics hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha to global markets.
The UAE alone handled over 2.5 million tonnes of air cargo in 2024, with a significant portion comprising time-sensitive and security-sensitive shipments, including airmail. Authorities have repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining robust mail screening to prevent misuse of cargo channels for illicit purposes.
The ICAO and UPU have stated that the new cooperation framework will focus on risk-based security models. These models will rely on the latest technology, such as automated explosive detection systems, artificial intelligence-driven scanning software, and high-resolution X-ray machines. These tools are expected to be gradually introduced at both mail centres and airport cargo terminals.
Improved personnel training
A key component of the agreement includes improved personnel training to ensure that both aviation and postal staff can respond effectively to emerging threats. Another priority will be the sharing of data between sectors, allowing for better tracking and transparency throughout the mail supply chain.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar said the initiative reflects a “proactive” strategy to deal with current and future risks in the airmail system. He stressed that security is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration at all levels.
The partnership also expands the oversight capabilities of both organisations. ICAO will apply its Universal Security Audit Programme to monitor compliance across aviation operators, while UPU will use its certification framework to assess the performance of postal operators.
This is not the first time ICAO and UPU have worked together, but the new agreement is viewed as a formal upgrade to their previous cooperation. Both bodies will assist member states in adopting practical measures and sharing threat intelligence. These measures are designed to reduce vulnerabilities and improve response times in the event of a security breach.
The development is likely to have particular resonance in conflict-affected regions such as parts of North Africa and the Horn of Africa, where non-state actors have long exploited fragile postal infrastructure and limited aviation oversight. In such areas, the lack of secure mail systems can present real risks to cross-border communication and commerce.
Analysts say the move also comes at a time when geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean corridors, are raising concerns about the safety of cargo transport. In recent months, attacks on maritime shipping and regional unrest have highlighted the need for secure and resilient logistics across both air and sea routes.
The new ICAO-UPU agreement is expected to be implemented in stages, with pilot projects launched in selected countries starting later this year. Full rollout is anticipated by 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and member state cooperation.
As international mail volumes increase, particularly in developing regions, global aviation and postal authorities face mounting pressure to secure critical infrastructure. The UAE, which continues to position itself as a regional logistics and cargo leader, is expected to play a role in supporting implementation across the Middle East and Africa.
Hero image: The ICAO and UPU have stated that the new cooperation framework will focus on risk-based security models. Credit: Ekaterina Belinskaya
