PUBLICATIONS circle 10 Nov 2024

Montreal Convention liability limits set to rise for international air carriage

By Andrew Tulloch and Timothy Coghlan

The limits of liability under the Montreal Convention 1999 which relate to international air carriage are set to increase from 24 December 2024.


The limits of liability under the Montreal Convention 1999 which relate to international air carriage are set to increase from 24 December 2024. This follows the five yearly review undertaken by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. 

The new limits which will come into force on 28 December 2024 are:

  • for death or bodily injury under Article 21 151,880 SDRs (approximately AUD305,000) (currently approximately AUD259,000);

  • for delay in passenger transport under Article 22(1) 6,303 SDRs (approximately AUD12,670) (currently approximately AUD10,930); 

  • destruction, loss, damage or delay of baggage under Article 22(2) 1,519 SDRs (approximately AUD3,050) (currently approximately AUD2,590); and  

  • destruction, loss, damage or delay of cargo under Article 22(3) 26 SDRs per kilogram (approximately AUD52.25) (currently approximately AUD44.20). 

The Montreal Convention 1999 has force of law in Australia by section 9B of the Civil Aviation (Carriers Liability) Act 1959 and the amended limits will apply in Australia for carriage subject to the Convention occurring after 28 December 2024. 

This is commentary published by Colin Biggers & Paisley for general information purposes only. This should not be relied on as specific advice. You should seek your own legal and other advice for any question, or for any specific situation or proposal, before making any final decision. The content also is subject to change. A person listed may not be admitted as a lawyer in all States and Territories. Colin Biggers & Paisley, Australia 2024

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