EU bans all air carriers certified in Tanzania over aviation safety concerns
The decision follows an update to the EU Air Safety List, which now includes all air carriers certified in both Tanzania and Suriname due to what the European Commission described as failure to meet international safety standards.
The European Union has banned all airlines certified in Tanzania from flying into its airspace, citing serious aviation safety concerns.
The decision follows an update to the EU Air Safety List, which now includes all air carriers certified in both Tanzania and Suriname due to what the European Commission described as failure to meet international safety standards.
In a statement, the Commission said, "This decision is based on serious safety concerns identified during assessments conducted by European Union aviation safety experts."
As a result, the affected airlines are no longer allowed to operate in the EU and face either an operating ban or strict operational restrictions.
The Commission explained that the safety issues identified in both countries involve problems in operational and regulatory areas.
These include a shortage of qualified personnel, weak oversight of flight operations and airworthiness, and failure by civil aviation authorities and certified airlines to follow international safety standards.
The update to the air safety list was made after a meeting of aviation safety experts from EU member states, held in Brussels between May 13 and May 15 under the EU Air Safety Committee.
The committee is chaired by the European Commission and supported by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The decision also received backing from the European Parliament’s Transport Committee.
The Commission stressed that it regularly updates the air safety list to maintain the highest level of air safety for Europeans and all other travellers.
The list is guided by international safety standards, particularly those set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In total, 169 airlines are now banned from operating in EU skies.
This includes 142 airlines from 17 countries such as Tanzania, Suriname, Afghanistan, Angola (except two carriers), and others, where national aviation authorities are considered unable to provide proper safety oversight.
Another 22 banned airlines are certified in Russia, while five more from various countries were barred for earlier-identified safety issues. These are Air Zimbabwe, Avior Airlines (Venezuela), Iran Aseman Airlines, Fly Baghdad, and Iraqi Airways.
In addition, two airlines – Iran Air and Air Koryo (North Korea) – face restrictions and can only fly into the EU using certain aircraft types.
Commenting on the update, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said, "Passenger safety remains our top priority. Following a detailed technical assessment, the European Commission has added all air carriers certified in Suriname and Tanzania to the EU Air Safety List due to serious deficiencies in national aviation oversight. We urge both countries to address these issues promptly. The Commission stands ready to support their efforts toward full compliance with international safety standards."
