The European Union's updated blacklist includes 129 airlines deemed unsafe, with notable changes affecting Air Tanzania and Pakistan International Airlines.
The European Union has updated its list of airlines that do not meet its safety standards, known as the EU safety blacklist, maintained by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The most recent iteration includes 129 airlines from various countries, which are prohibited from operating within EU airspace due to inadequacies in compliance with safety regulations.
Among the countries represented on this list are airlines from
Afghanistan, Libya, Nepal, Angola, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Equatorial Guinea.
The inclusion of these airlines highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding aviation standards in certain regions.
A significant change in the latest update is the addition of Air Tanzania, which was flagged by EASA for safety issues.
This decision raises concerns regarding the airline's operational practices and safety management.
Conversely, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been removed from the blacklist, indicating improvements in its safety compliance as recognized by EU authorities.
The removal implies that PIA has made necessary adjustments to meet EU safety requirements, potentially allowing it greater access to EU airspace.
Furthermore, the presence of certain airlines on the blacklist may be influenced by geopolitical factors.
Airlines such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Saha Airlines have faced scrutiny not only for safety issues but also for the political contexts surrounding their operations.
This suggests that the blacklist may not only reflect safety standards but could also be indicative of broader political considerations within the aviation industry.