The European Commission has updated its list of airlines subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union – with Philippine Airlines and Conviasa allowed back into EU skies.

 

Called the EU air safety list, it currently covers almost 300 carriers from more than 20 countries. On a positive note, following improvements in the safety situation in the Philippines, Philippine Airlines is the first airline from this country allowed back into European skies since 2010. The same is true for the Venezuelan airline Conviasa, which was banned in 2012.

 

In December 2012, Mauritania became the first country to be fully removed from the EU air safety list (it was added in 2010). Progress was also noted in Libya but the Libyan authorities agreed that Libyan airlines would not be allowed to operate in Europe until they are fully recertified to the satisfaction of the EU.

 

Siim Kallas, Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, says: “The EU air safety list was created for the protection of European skies and citizens, but it can also serve as a wake-up call to countries and airlines that need to get their safety house back in order. We have confirmed our willingness to remove countries and airlines from the list if they show real commitment to international safety standards. Beside Philippines, Venezuela and Mauritania, good signs of progress are also coming from a number of other African countries.”

 

FULLY BANNED: 278 AIRLINES

The updated EU air safety list includes 278 airlines certified in 20 states that are fully banned from EU skies. The states are Afghanistan, Angola, Benin, Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon (with the exception of three airlines which operate under restrictions), Indonesia (with the exception of five airlines), Kazakhstan (one exception which operates under restrictions), Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Mozambique, Philippines (with one exception), Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Sudan, Swaziland and Zambia.

 

The list also includes two individual airlines: Blue Wing Airlines (Surinam) and Meridian Airways (Ghana), to make a grand total of 280 airlines.

 

Additionally, the list includes 10 airlines subject to strict operational restrictions: Air Astana (from Kazakhstan), Afrijet, Gabon Airlines, and SN2AG (Gabon), Air Koryo (North Korea), Airlift International (Ghana), Air Service Comores (Comores), Iran Air (Iran), TAAG Angolan Airlines (Angola) and Air Madagascar (Madagascar).