a plane flying over a runway
Freedoms of the Air - Traffic Rights Explained

‘Freedoms of the Air’ – Traffic Rights Explained

International Flights are made possible by the Freedoms of the Air, which define nine different types of traffic rights between countries worldwide. We will discuss more about each traffic right.

All images and content by @travellerdirk

a plane on a runway

What is 'Freedoms of the Air'?

The freedoms of the air represent a collection of commercial aviation rights that allow a country's airlines the privilege to access and land in another nation's airspace.

Why were these Rights Established?

Following disputes regarding the level of aviation liberalization, Freedoms of the Air were established during the International Civil Aviation Convention, also known as the Chicago Convention, in 1944.

How are the Rights Obtained?

The Freedoms of the Air are the guiding principle for rights to international flights. In practice, obtaining specific traffic rights within those freedoms is negotiated directly between countries.

Who Established the Freedoms of the Air?

The Freedoms of the Air were established by a United Nations agency called the International Commission for Air Navigation, which is later known as International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

First Freedom

a map of the country with a plane on it

Second Freedom

a map of the world with planes

Third Freedom

a screenshot of a map

Fourth Freedom

a map of the world with a plane flying

Fifth Freedom

a screenshot of a phone
a screen shot of a website

Sixth Freedom

a screenshot of a map

Seventh Freedom

a map of the world with a plane and a plane flying

Eighth Freedom

a screenshot of a cellphone

Ninth Freedom

a map of japan with a map and a plane

All images and content by @travellerdirk