The observance of International Civil Aviation Day helps generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of civil aviation to the social and economic development of states, as well as the unique role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in helping states to cooperate and achieve a global rapid transit at the service of humanity.

As the UN has adopted the 2030 Agenda and ushered in a new era in sustainable global development, the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has never been more relevant to the objectives of the Chicago Convention to see international flight as a fundamental enabler for peace and prosperity in the world.

Every five years, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries 2014/2019/2024/2029/etc., the ICAO Council creates a special anniversary theme for International Civil Aviation Day. Between these anniversary years, Council representatives select a single theme for the full intervening four-year period.

Otherwise, International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO's 50th anniversary activities.

The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day in 1996.