Evolution From Warsaw To Montreal: Transformation Of Air Carrier Liability
- IJLLR Journal
- Feb 14
- 1 min read
Sandra Jose, Gujarat Maritime University
ABSTRACT
The regulation of air carrier liability has undergone a far-reaching transformation over the past century, evolving from the restrictive regime of the 1929 Warsaw Convention to the progressive two-tier liability system established by the 1999 Montreal Convention. This research paper traces the historical path of international aviation law, examining the legal mechanisms, policy considerations and practical implications that shaped this evolution. By analysing the foundational principles of the Warsaw Convention, the sequence of amendments through protocols and intercarrier agreements and the transformative approach adopted in Montreal, this study demonstrates how international aviation liability law has progressively balanced the interests of passengers, air carriers, and the aviation industry. This transformation reflects broader developments in consumer protection, international commerce, and the recognition that modernised air transportation required contemporary legal frameworks. This paper argues that the Montreal Convention represents a bigger a shift in aviation liability jurisprudence, establishing a more equitable and transparent system while maintaining sufficient protections for carrier operating in a complex global market.
