What is the main legal framework governing international air transportation?

The main legal framework governing international air transportation is the Chicago Convention of 1944. This treaty, formally known as the Convention on International Civil Aviation, established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and set forth key principles for co-operation among nations in international air transport.

The Chicago Convention provides a regulatory foundation for safe and orderly development of international civil aviation, addressing issues like airspace sovereignty, the rights of passage for aircraft, and safety standards. It outlines the responsibilities of states concerning aircraft operations and the facilitation of international air travel, making it essential for the functioning of international air transportation.

While the other options have relevance to international aviation law, they serve more specific purposes. For instance, the Montreal Protocol primarily addresses liability for cargo damages and has evolved from the Warsaw Convention, which focuses on air carrier liability in case of passenger injuries or baggage loss. The International Civil Aviation Order is more concerned with U.S. domestic regulations rather than providing a global framework. The overarching principles and organizational structures laid out in the Chicago Convention are what fundamentally govern international air transportation.