The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) participated in the 16th Leiden IIASL International Air Law Conference, held on April 24–25, 2025, at the historic "Drakopoulos" Amphitheatre of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The conference was co-organized by the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the International Institute of Air and Space Law (IIASL) of Leiden University.

The conference gathered leading international experts, academics, professionals, and students in the field of air law and provided a major platform for dialogue on contemporary challenges and developments in civil aviation, aiming to enhance international cooperation and promote the creation of legal frameworks for the sustainable development of global aviation.

The conference opened on April 24, 2025, with keynote addresses by distinguished representatives, including Konstantinos Christodoulou, Dean of the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Fotini Pazartzi, Director of the Athens Public International Law Center; Dr. Christos Tsitouras, Governor of the HCAA; and Professor Steven Truxal, Professor of Air and Space Law and Director of IIASL, Leiden University.
In his speech, Dr. Tsitouras emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy between international bodies and academic institutions in the field of civil aviation.

Law School of Athens
From left: Dr. Christos Tsitouras, Governor of HCAA; Prof. Konstantinos Christodoulou, Dean of the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Prof. Steven Truxal, Professor of Air and Space Law & Director of IIASL, Leiden University.

Ms. Kalliopi (Pepi) Lykou, General Manager of Economic Oversight and Administrative Support of the HCAA, participated in the panel discussion on "The Chicago Convention and the Next 80 Years."
The panel was moderated by Professor Georgios Leloudas from Swansea University and included distinguished speakers such as Rita Uva Sousa from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); Otsetswe Koboyankwe, former representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana; and Professor Iva Savić from the University of Zagreb, Croatia.
The discussions focused on the importance of the Chicago Convention in ensuring safety and sustainability in international civil aviation, and on the challenges that need to be addressed to enhance cooperation between states and international organizations over the next 80 years.

Law School of Athens From left: Nitin Sarin, Sarin Memorial Foundation, Prof. Steven Truxal, Air and Space Law & Director of IIASL, Leiden University, Prof. Georgios Kyriakopoulos, Vice Dean of the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Pepi Lykou, General Manager, Economic Oversight, HCAA

The conference also hosted Mr. Michael Gill, Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The conference marked the official opening of the 16th Leiden–Sarin International Air Law Moot Court Competition, which this year was hosted in Athens.
The competition offered students and young legal professionals a unique opportunity to engage in a simulated court environment, developing practical skills and experience in the field of air law.
Established in 2010, the Moot Court is now one of the most recognized academic events globally, attracting participation from over 25 universities each year.
The cases presented cover a wide range of issues in international air law and public international law.

This year’s case concerned a dispute between the Member States of the Olympic Union (OU) and the State of Terra Margarita regarding discriminatory pricing of sustainable aviation fuel, allegedly violating the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA) and the Chicago Convention.
The teams from India and China reached the semifinals, with India ultimately winning the competition.

Sarin Memorial

Special mention should be made of the Sarin Memorial Legal Aid Foundation, which supports and promotes free legal aid and education in the field of air law.
The Foundation's contribution to the development of International Air Law and the establishment of the Moot Court Competition is invaluable.
Its collaboration with Leiden University and the International Institute of Air and Space Law further enhances the significance of the conference, making a vital contribution to the progress of the sector.

The Sarin Memorial Foundation’s commitment to education and to strengthening the legal and academic community is a key factor in building a strong international air law network and promoting cooperation among states towards a safe and sustainable future for civil aviation.

The HCAA’s active participation in such major international events substantially reinforces Greece’s standing in the fields of air law and international cooperation.
Through systematic engagement with international organizations, academic institutions, and sectoral experts, the HCAA promotes the continuous improvement of its regulatory framework, builds strategic alliances, leverages knowledge exchange, and incorporates best international practices.