Harare, Zimbabwe | Friday, 20 February 2026 | Today marks the fifth anniversary of
“International Day for Commemorating Air Crash Victims and Their Families“, a day
of remembrance, a call for compassion and a commitment to safer skies, for beyond every
aviation crash is more than an incident report, there is a story interrupted, a family forever
affected and a community left grieving.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Civil Aviation Authority of
Zimbabwe (CAAZ), being Zimbabwe Aeronautical Authority and Civil Aviation Regulatory
Authority, respectively, honor and remember the lives lost in air crashes across the globe
and extend deepest condolences to families and loved ones who continue to carry the
burden of this unimaginable pain and loss while reaffirming an unwavering commitment to
Safe and Secure sustainable Civil Aviation operations.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council established the International
Day for Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families in 2022, in support of a
proposal made by the Air Crash Victims’ Families’ Federation International (ACVFFI).
During the fifth meeting of its 224th Session, the ICAO Council designated 20 February of
each year as the International Day for Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their
Families. Its aim is to provide Governments and the Aviation Industry with a gentle
reminder of the obligation upon them to improve the care, resources and timely support
and provision of comprehensive information that accident victims and their loved ones
need following such tragic events.
