The European Commission has adopted the 48th update of the EU Air Safety List, removing all airlines certified in Kyrgyzstan from the bloc’s aviation blacklist while adding Algeria’s Air Express Algeria following serious safety concerns.
The update marks one of the most significant changes to the list in recent years and coincides with the 20th anniversary of the EU Air Safety List, which was first introduced in 2006.
Kyrgyzstan Achieves Major Aviation Milestone
All airlines certified in Kyrgyzstan have been removed from the EU Air Safety List after nearly two decades of restrictions.
The decision follows years of aviation sector reforms, strengthened safety oversight and efforts to align the country’s regulatory framework with international aviation standards. Kyrgyz carriers had been prohibited from operating in European Union airspace since 2006.
The European Commission reportedly recognized the country’s progress following technical consultations, a safety assessment conducted in March 2026 and hearings with aviation authorities in Brussels. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The move opens the door for Kyrgyz airlines to seek future operations to the European Union, subject to normal regulatory and commercial requirements.
Air Express Algeria Added To The List
While Kyrgyzstan celebrated its removal from the blacklist, Air Express Algeria was added to the EU Air Safety List and is now prohibited from operating within the European Union.
The decision was based on serious safety concerns identified during assessments carried out by European aviation safety experts, who found deficiencies related to compliance with international safety standards.
154 Airlines Remain Banned
Following the latest update, a total of 154 airlines remain banned from operating in EU airspace.
The majority of these carriers are subject to country-wide bans because aviation authorities in their home countries are deemed unable to provide adequate safety oversight.
The list includes airlines certified in countries such as Afghanistan, Armenia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Nepal, Sudan and Tanzania, among others. Additionally, 22 Russian-certified airlines and several individual carriers from other countries remain prohibited from operating within the European Union.
Passengers Continue To Trust The Safety List
The European Commission also published new Eurobarometer findings showing strong public confidence in the EU Air Safety List.
According to the survey, 70% of Europeans consider the list an effective tool for protecting passengers from unsafe airlines, while 75% trust that updates are made based on safety considerations rather than political or economic factors. Half of Europeans are aware of the list, and only 8% said they would still book a flight with an airline appearing on it.
The latest update highlights the continuing role of the EU Air Safety List as one of the aviation industry’s most influential safety oversight tools, encouraging countries and airlines worldwide to strengthen compliance with international aviation standards.
