FIATA seeks urgent clarification from airlines ahead of expedited implementation of IATA Direct Air Waybill changes

Geneva, 30 June 2026 – With the implementation of amendments to the IATA Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework currently scheduled by the IATA Cargo Agency Conference to take effect on an expedited basis from 1 July 2026, FIATA notes that the formal review process before the scheduled date of effectiveness has not been respected. Whilst FIATA continues to pursue the preservation of the review process, FIATA has today written to airlines worldwide seeking urgent clarification as to whether they intend to implement the changes in practice as of 1 July 2026 and how the changes will be implemented.

Following the adoption of the amendments under an expedited procedure, FIATA exercised its formal right under the Cargo Agency Conference (CAC) Resolution 801c to request a review of the decision. The review process exists to ensure that significant amendments affecting the rights and obligations of freight forwarders and airlines can be properly examined, including their legal, operational and insurance implications, before taking effect.

However, despite repeated requests by FIATA, the review process has not been capable of being completed before the scheduled date of effectiveness. Despite FIATA's repeated requests that the IATA-FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC) be convened as a matter of urgency, the IFCC has not been convened in sufficient time to formulate its recommendation to the Cargo Agency Conference before the amendments are due to take effect. FIATA therefore requested that the effective date be postponed until 1 October 2026 to preserve the effectiveness of the review mechanism and allow the review process to be completed as contemplated by the Cargo Agency Conference Resolutions. To date, no postponement has been confirmed. As a result, the review mechanism established under the Cargo Agency Conference Resolutions has been deprived of its intended effect.

In guidance published by IATA, freight forwarders wishing to use DAWBs are advised to engage directly with airlines to clarify the contractual arrangements, allocation of responsibilities and liability framework that will apply before cargo is accepted for carriage. FIATA has also noted IATA's guidance indicating that shippers may continue to appoint freight forwarders as their agents and seek agreement with individual airlines to continue existing DAWB practices.

In these circumstances, and in light of IATA's guidance requiring bilateral engagement between freight forwarders and airlines, FIATA has written to airlines requesting confirmation as to whether they intend to continue accepting DAWB shipments under the existing framework or, alternatively, an explanation on how the revised framework will be implemented in practice, including the processes that freight forwarders will be expected to follow before tendering cargo for carriage.

FIATA has already received information indicating that implementation may differ between airlines, with some airlines reportedly not intending to implement the revised framework from 1 July. This highlights the importance of obtaining clarity directly from individual carriers.

"The review mechanism exists for an important reason: to ensure that significant changes affecting the rights, responsibilities and liabilities of all affected market players – including freight forwarders, shippers and airlines – are properly considered before they take effect”, said FIATA Director General Dr Stéphane Graber.

“That critical procedural safeguard has not been respected before the scheduled implementation date. In the absence of a meaningful review, airlines should provide complete transparency regarding the contractual framework they intend to apply from 1 July. Freight forwarders cannot reasonably be expected to assume significant new contractual obligations or liabilities outside of their function without legal certainty or a proper opportunity to assess the resulting operational and insurance implications."

FIATA continues to take all necessary measures to ensure a meaningful review process can take place at the earliest opportunity and continues to support constructive dialogue with airlines and all stakeholders. FIATA will continue to work to preserve the integrity of the review process under the IATA CAC Resolutions while assessing the practical implications of any implementation and determining any further action that may be necessary.