AIR SAFETY: THE NEW BLACK LIST

The European Commission published a few days ago the 20th update of the list of air carriers subject to an operating ban or operating restrictions in the European Union. With entries and exits, but also a reminder of the obligation to inform passengers, on the part of airlines and travel agencies.

20 totally black-listed countries

For 20 countries, all known air carriers, or 287 in total, are subject to a total operating ban in the European Union. These 20 countries are: Afghanistan, Angola, Benin, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon (with the exception of three carriers which are subject to conditions and restrictions of operation), Indonesia (except six carriers), Kazakhstan (except one carrier which is subject to operating conditions and restrictions), Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Mozambique, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Sudan, Swaziland and Zambia.

Isolated carriers and restrictions for some companies

The list also includes three isolated carriers: Blue Wing Airlines (Suriname), Meridian Airways (Ghana) and Conviasa (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela). The list also includes ten air carriers subject to operating restrictions and therefore authorized to carry out their activities to the EU while being subject to strict conditions: Air Astana from Kazakhstan; Afrijet, Gabon Airlines and SN2AG of Gabon; Air Koryo of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Airlift International of Ghana; Air Service Comoros; Iran Air; TAAG Angolan Airlines and Air Madagascar. For some, a certain number of devices are certified and others are not, which makes it very difficult to assess by the traveler.

On the contrary, countries that regain credibility

However, as the air safety situation improved in Mauritania, all air carriers certified in this country could be removed from the list. The security situation of Jordanian air carrier Jordan Aviation has also improved. It was therefore also removed from the list. Progress was also noted in Libya but the Libyan authorities have decided that local air carriers will not be allowed to operate in the EU until they have been fully re-certified to the satisfaction of the Commission.

Obligation to inform passengers

Beyond the basic principles, and the blacklist itself, the authorities also insist on the obligation, for airlines but also for travel agencies, to fully inform passengers about the carrier. And the emphasis is placed on what we call "end of line flights": when, after having started your trip in Europe with a well-authorized company, you find yourself, after having made a stopover, with a registered company. on the blacklist. And even if the TOs are in principle more and more vigilant on this subject, we can only recommend that you request an audit.