What is the EU Air Safety List?
The EU Air Safety List (ASL) includes airlines that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating in the EU. Airlines not flying to the EU can also be listed to warn travelers. Countries with inadequate safety oversight may have all their airlines listed.
The ASL is a powerful tool for international aviation safety, both within and outside the EU. It acts preventively as countries improve safety to avoid being listed.
Which carriers are currently on the list?
As of the 46th update in June 2025, 169 airlines are banned from the EU, including 142 from 17 countries due to insufficient safety oversight and 27 from other countries for serious safety issues.
Who is responsible for updates to the list?
The European Commission collaborates with the EU Air Safety Committee (ASC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for list updates. Decisions are made by majority vote and published in the EU Official Journal.
What is the procedure for updates?
EU Member States and EASA share relevant information with the European Commission. The assessment is based on international safety standards and various information sources like ICAO and FAA.
To whom does it apply?
The rules apply to all commercial airlines, both EU and non-EU, and not to private or non-commercial flights.
How often is the list updated?
The ASL is updated as necessary. The ASC meets two to three times a year, with an emergency procedure if needed.
How can an airline be removed from the list?
Airlines can request removal from the list by providing evidence of compliance with safety standards to the European Commission, which evaluates and submits it to the ASC if positive.
How is an airline added to the list?
When serious safety issues are identified, an airline can be added to the list.
Does inclusion on the list always mean a ban in Europe?
Yes, with a total ban, airlines cannot operate in the EU. With a partial ban, they can only fly with specific aircraft.
Does the list prevent national safety measures?
No, national measures must also be reviewed at the EU level, but member states can act independently in exceptional cases.
What are airlines rights of defense?
Banned airlines can present their case and submit documents for defense to the European Commission and ASC.
Is the European Commissions approach punitive?
The Commission aims to improve aviation safety and works with countries to help them meet standards.
How is the public informed about the list?
The list is available online, and travel agents are informed of changes. National aviation authorities must inform passengers.
What rights does the list provide to European travelers?
Passengers have the right to know the airlines they fly with and to refunds or rebooking if a flight is canceled due to a listed airline.
How does the publication of the list help European citizens outside the EU?
The list informs travelers of unsafe airlines and protects consumer rights when traveling with these airlines.
How does the ban affect passengers with booked flights?
Passengers are advised to contact their airline or travel agent for rebooking or refund options. Safety is the top priority.
What is the safety issue with Russian aircraft?
Following the war against Ukraine, over 500 Western aircraft were illegally re-registered in Russia, lacking valid airworthiness certificates, making them unsafe.
For More Information
Press release - EU bans all airlines from Tanzania and Suriname from operating in the EU.