European regulators have updated the EU Air Safety List (ASL), banning 154 airlines from operating in European airspace as of 9 June. The latest revision, the 48th of its kind, adds Air Express Algeria to the roster after the European Commission identified “serious safety concerns” and “shortcomings in the airlines’ compliance with international safety standards.”
The ASL is a key tool for maintaining aviation safety across the bloc, drawing on standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Carriers that fail to meet these benchmarks are prohibited from flying within, to, or over EU territory. The list now includes 126 airlines from 16 countries where national aviation authorities have been deemed inadequate in their oversight.
Which Carriers Are Banned?
All carriers certified in Afghanistan, Armenia, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Suriname, and Tanzania are banned outright. Angola is also fully banned, except for TAAG Angola Airlines and Heli Malongo, which have demonstrated compliance.
Twenty-two Russia-certified carriers remain on the list, alongside Zimbabwe’s Air Zimbabwe, Venezuela’s Avior Airlines, Iran’s Iran Aseman Airlines, and Iraq’s Fly Baghdad and Iraq Airways, all due to “safety deficiencies.” Iran Air and carriers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea face operational restrictions, allowing flights only with specific aircraft types.
In a positive development, all Kyrgyzstan-certified carriers have been removed from the list. The European Commission cited Kyrgyzstan’s “progress in strengthening its aviation safety oversight over the past 20 years” as the reason for this change.
How the List Works
The ASL is compiled by the EU Air Safety Committee, which includes aviation safety experts from all member states and is supported by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The list is updated two to three times a year, though it can be revised more frequently if needed, such as after a request from a member state.
A carrier is banned if it fails to meet international safety standards. Additionally, all airlines from a country risk inclusion if the local aviation authority does not adhere to its oversight obligations. The Commission describes the list as “a strong preventive tool,” noting that countries often improve their oversight to avoid being blacklisted.
Notably, airlines not on the ASL may still operate in Europe if they lease aircraft from a banned carrier under short-to-medium-term arrangements, provided safety standards are met. This nuance allows some flexibility while maintaining overall safety.
The list has been in place for 20 years and has proven influential on traveler behavior. A Eurobarometer survey found that 81% of respondents would take action if an airline appeared on the blacklist, with 36% saying they would avoid booking with that carrier entirely. Awareness of the ASL is highest in Cyprus, Malta, and Luxembourg.
For travelers, the ASL serves as a reliable reference when booking flights. As rail travel gains traction in Europe, initiatives like the EU's 'One Ticket, One Journey' plan aim to make train booking as seamless as flying, offering alternatives for those concerned about air safety.
The latest update underscores the EU’s commitment to rigorous safety oversight, even as it navigates broader geopolitical tensions. For instance, the inclusion of Russian carriers reflects ongoing concerns, while the removal of Kyrgyzstan’s airlines shows that progress is recognized. The ASL remains a dynamic tool, adapting to changes in global aviation safety standards.
