Yes, English is the official language of international aviation, as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This means that pilots and air traffic controllers worldwide must meet a minimum level of English proficiency to ensure safety. For general airport staff—such as gate agents, security, and customs officers—English is a standard requirement at almost all major international hubs (like those in Paris, Tokyo, or Dubai) because they interact with a global customer base. However, workers in smaller, regional airports or those in non-customer-facing roles (like baggage handlers or janitorial staff) may only speak the local language. In 2026, most international airports also use universal icons and multilingual signage to bridge the gap. While you might encounter a language barrier with some staff, you can almost always find a supervisor or information desk representative who is fluent in English to assist with complex travel issues.