EU Air Safety Review Brings Ban for Algerian Carrier

The European Commission has updated its list of airlines banned or restricted from operating in the European Union on safety grounds. The latest revision adds Algerian carrier Air Express Algeria to the list, while removing all airlines certified in Kyrgyzstan.

The Commission said the decision to blacklist Air Express Algeria followed safety assessments that identified serious deficiencies and failures to comply with international aviation standards.

By contrast, the removal of Kyrgyz airlines reflects what Brussels described as significant progress in the country's aviation safety oversight. According to the Commission, Kyrgyzstan has spent the past two decades strengthening regulatory supervision and aligning its aviation standards with international requirements.

The European Union has maintained its Air Safety List since 2006. The list identifies airlines that are banned from operating in EU airspace or are subject to operational restrictions because they do not meet international safety standards.

(reuters, max)