ABSTRACT
It is not generally appreciated that airports or governments do not have an entirely free hand in deciding the structure of airport charges, particularly those for international flights. In considering any new pricing strategies it is important to bear in mind the legal constraints (ICAO 1980). These stem initially from the Chicago Convention, the multilateral agreement signed in 1944 and dealing with many aspects of air transport operation. The Convention, as subsequently amended, has been signed by and is legally binding on more than one hundred states. Several of its articles deal with airports. Article 28 requires contracting states to undertake, as far as is practicable, to provide airports, radio services, meteorological services and other navigation facilities which conform to the procedures and rules which may be recommended or established pursuant to the Convention. Under Article 37 the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is required to produce international standards and recommended practices in a number of areas including those for airports and air traffic control. The detailed recommendations and standards are incorporated in Annexes to the Convention which may be revised from time to time. Annex 14 deals specifically with airport facilities and design standards.
