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FIATA Escalates Dispute With IATA Over Air Waybill Framework Changes

The International Air Transport Association faces renewed pushback from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations over proposed modifications to the Direct Air Waybill framework. FIATA has formally objected to the changes, citing concerns about legal uncertainty and market destabilization. The forwarding association contends the proposals shift liability risks onto forwarders for factors beyond their control. FIATA alleges IATA rushed the changes through with insufficient consultation and inadequate legal review, coupled with an unrealistic implementation timeline. Insurers and shippers share similar concerns about potential alterations to liability structures across the air cargo supply chain. The dispute underscores longstanding tensions between airlines and freight forwarders over governance, money, and operational control, marking another escalation in their contentious relationship.