What is required for an aircraft to operate in international airspace?

For an aircraft to operate in international airspace, it must comply with international law and be registered under a country’s aviation authority. This requirement ensures that the aircraft meets safety and operational standards set forth by international aviation regulations, notably those established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Registration with a country's aviation authority signifies that the aircraft undergoes necessary inspections, complies with safety regulations, and adheres to operational protocols recognized by that country. This is critical for ensuring accountability and safety in international air operations, as aircraft must be traceable to a sovereign state, which enforces aviation laws and standards.

While the approval from the International Air Transport Association and certification from a destination country pertain to different aspects of air travel, they do not serve as fundamental requirements for the operation of an aircraft in international airspace. Registration with the FAA alone is insufficient, as it does not provide a complete framework for compliance with international laws. Thus, the necessity of both compliance with international law and registration under a country's aviation authority encompasses the broader legal and safety aspects required for international aviation.