Aviation law is a distinct and highly specialized area of legal practice that governs all aspects of the use of airspace, airline operations, flight safety, and the legal rights and obligations of air carriers, passengers, and cargo senders. This branch of law encompasses both domestic legislation and international agreements, creating the legal foundation for civil, commercial, and military aviation.

Since air transportation often involves crossing international borders, international aviation law plays a critical role in regulating cross-border disputes and operations. Legal support in this field requires deep expertise, industry knowledge, and experience handling complex multinational matters.

What Aviation Law Regulates

Aviation lawyers provide legal services across a wide range of issues, including:

• Legal support for international air transportation

• Regulatory compliance for airlines and air carriers

• Drafting and negotiation of air freight and charter agreements

• Handling aviation disputes

• Advising on aviation insurance policies and risk coverage

• Representation in cases involving air accidents or incidents

• Protection of passenger rights in cases of flight delays, baggage loss, or onboard injury

International Agreements in Aviation Law

The legal framework for international aviation is based on several key international conventions:

• Chicago Convention (1944) – establishes general rules on airspace usage, aircraft registration, and pilot licensing

• Warsaw Convention (1929) – outlines the liability of air carriers to passengers and cargo senders

• Montreal Convention (1999) – modernizes the Warsaw Convention, detailing rules for compensation, burden of proof, and airline insurance obligations

• Additional multilateral agreements and protocols on air navigation, aviation safety, and technical operation of aircraft

Current Challenges in Aviation Law

Today, aviation law in Russia and globally faces a series of new challenges that demand flexible and forward-thinking legal solutions:

• Cybersecurity and passenger data protection are increasingly important amid digital transformation of air transport systems

• Environmental regulation calls for the reduction of emissions, noise control, and sustainable development of aviation infrastructure

• Emerging technologies such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and AI-driven flight management systems require the development of new legal frameworks

• Passenger rights are a growing concern, especially regarding flight delays, denied boarding, cancellations, and lost baggage—all requiring robust legal protection

• International sanctions and airspace restrictions also significantly affect the application of aviation legislation in cross-border contexts

Why You Need an Aviation Lawyer

Working in aviation law requires a high level of legal and industry-specific knowledge, including an understanding of international treaties and regulatory bodies. Legal assistance from an aviation lawyer is especially crucial in cases such as:

• Disputes with airlines or air carriers

• Passenger injury or fatality during a flight

• Breaches of transport agreements or significant flight delays

• Investigations into aviation accidents

• Drafting and reviewing aircraft lease, insurance, or charter agreements

• Claims involving compensation for damages

Legal Services by DTK Partners

The aviation law team at DTK Partners has extensive experience assisting clients with:

• Legal representation in aviation accidents and major air disasters

• Filing and negotiating passenger compensation claims

• Handling international litigation involving aviation-related disputes

• Drafting and reviewing aviation contracts and freight agreements

• Supporting corporate clients in the aviation and logistics sectors

We provide comprehensive consulting on both Russian and international aviation law, representing client interests in court and ensuring full legal compliance throughout every stage of the air transportation process.