How does an aircraft’s weight affect liability limits under the 1952 Rome Convention?

Under the 1952 Rome Convention, which governs surface damage caused by foreign aircraft, the liability of the aircraft operator is limited based on the weight of the aircraft.1

This system of limited liability serves as a trade-off for the convention's requirement of compulsory insurance. However, this limitation does not apply if the damage was caused by a deliberate act committed by the operator, their servants, or their agents with the intent to cause damage. Additionally, an unauthorized user of an aircraft is subject to unlimited liability.1