Madrid, 28 January 2026 — Following the joint ECAC–ICAO EUR/NAT regional workshop on family assistance plans on 27 January, several ECAC Member States came together in Madrid for the seventh meeting of the State Assistance to Air Accident Victims Task Group.
The meeting enabled members to exchange updates on national developments regarding the development of family assistance plans, and review progress on the task group’s ongoing initiatives. Discussions focused on draft guidance materials, templates, and checklists designed to support Member States in translating international and European requirements into practical, actionable family assistance plans. Participants shared feedback on the proposed tools, highlighted common challenges, and collaboratively defined the task group’s priorities for 2026.
Looking ahead, the group explored the next phase of its work, which will include piloting these tools in delivering targeted capacity-building activities for interested ECAC Member States. Participants also emphasised the importance of strengthening coordination between national authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure that family assistance plans are robust, operationally effective and compassionate in practice.
By providing clear guidance and practical support tools, the task group aims to enhance the assistance available to victims and their families, ensuring timely and coordinated responses following air accidents. Feedback from the pilot activities will inform further refinements to the guidance materials, helping Member States continuously improve their preparedness and response capabilities.