UNITED NATIONS- Global aviation bodies and the United Nations (UN) have set up a task force to reduce the risks of civilian planes flying over conflict areas. The team will ensure that the "right information reaches the right people at the right time" to prevent similar tragedies.

The decision was taken at a special meeting in Montreal, triggered by the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine on July 17 as it was traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, resulting in the death of all its 298 passengers.

“The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is unacceptable. While aviation is the safest form of transport, the MH17 incident has raised troubling concerns,” the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) stated.

The task force comprising national and industry experts will address the civil aviation and national security aspects.