Sovereignty of Airspace
Under the Chicago Convention of 1944, every country has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory. Airlines must receive permission (overflight rights) before flying through a nation’s airspace — often governed by bilateral agreements.
Restricted Airspace and Security Laws
Certain zones are classified as restricted or prohibited airspace for reasons of national security. Unauthorized entry can lead to military interception or diplomatic incidents — as seen in high-profile cases involving airliners straying into hostile territory.
Sanctions and No-Fly Zones
Airlines are required to comply with international sanctions. For instance, carriers may be legally prohibited from flying into or over countries like North Korea, Iran, or Russia depending on geopolitical circumstances and national security concerns.
Overflight Charges and Legal Disputes
Countries may charge fees for overflight, and disputes over unfair or excessive charges have led to legal challenges in international aviation courts and through the ICAO.