Which Airlines are on the EU Blacklist?

The EU Air Safety List (also known as the EU blacklist) is a regulatory tool used to identify airlines that fail to meet international safety standards. These carriers are banned from operating to, within, or from the EU. The latest update includes airlines for two primary reasons: inadequate safety oversight in their home countries or specific safety deficiencies identified during inspections.

Airlines on the EU Blacklist

Iraqi Airways CRJ. Photo (c) Martyn Cartledge

1. Country-Wide Bans:
   • Airlines from countries like Afghanistan, Angola (except two airlines), Armenia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Nepal, and Sudan are banned due to insufficient regulatory oversight or systemic safety issues in these nations.
   • In total, 100 airlines from 15 countries are currently banned under this category.
2. Individual Airlines Banned for Safety Deficiencies:
   • Air Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe): Safety deficiencies identified during operational assessments.
   • Avior Airlines (Venezuela): Repeated failures in meeting international safety standards.
   • Blue Wing Airlines (Suriname): Issues linked to inadequate operational safety management.
   • Iran Aseman Airlines (Iran): Concerns over maintenance and operational safety.
   • Fly Baghdad (Iraq) and Iraqi Airways (Iraq): Both flagged for non-compliance with safety protocols.
3. Airlines with Operational Restrictions:
   • Iran Air (Iran) and Air Koryo (North Korea): These airlines are subject to partial bans, meaning they can operate under specific conditions with limited aircraft, which have been inspected and deemed safe for use.

The blacklist is reviewed and updated regularly by the European Commission in collaboration with the EU Air Safety Committee and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Airlines and countries can be removed from the list if they demonstrate compliance with international safety standards and rectify oversight issues​

You can download the full list here: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/eu-air-safety-list_en

A Note About Russia

Russian airlines have been significantly affected by international aviation sanctions following geopolitical tensions and conflicts, such as the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While these restrictions are not directly tied to the EU Air Safety List, they effectively ban most Russian carriers from European airspace. This ban applies to all Russian airlines, including flagship carrier Aeroflot, due to sanctions that prevent Russian airlines from operating in EU airspace or using EU airports.

Additionally, 22 Russian airlines are on the EU Air Safety List due to concerns about safety compliance. These carriers were flagged for their inability to meet international standards after Russia allowed its airlines to continue operating aircraft without valid Certificates of Airworthiness from Western manufacturers. This move raised significant safety concerns and contributed to their inclusion on the blacklist​.

The sanctions and safety concerns have created significant barriers for Russian aviation within Europe, highlighting the intersection of regulatory compliance and broader geopolitical dynamics.

Title image: A300B2 MahanAir (c) Mohammad Razzazan