Brussels: The European Commission has announced its 48th update of the EU Air Safety List, a crucial measure that informs passengers about airlines that are banned or face operational restrictions within the European Union due to non-compliance with international safety standards. This update marks a significant milestone since the list's inception in 2006, as it reflects both progress and ongoing challenges in global aviation safety.
According to Emirates News Agency, all air carriers certified in Kyrgyzstan have been removed from the List, demonstrating the country's substantial advancements in strengthening its aviation safety oversight over the last two decades. This development is an acknowledgment of Kyrgyzstan's commitment to meeting international safety standards and enhancing its aviation infrastructure.
Conversely, Air Express Algeria has been added to the EU Air Safety List, barring it from operating within the EU. This inclusion stems from serious safety concerns identified during rigorous assessments by EU aviation safety experts, who determined that the airline failed to adhere to essential international safety standards. The decision underscores the EU's commitment to maintaining high safety standards and protecting passengers from potential risks.
The update aligns with the release of a new Eurobarometer survey, which indicates strong passenger trust in the EU Air Safety List. The survey reveals that 70% of Europeans view the List as an effective tool for safeguarding passengers from unsafe airlines, and 75% trust the EU to update the List based on safety criteria without undue political or economic influence.
Despite the high level of trust, the survey also highlights that direct consultation of the List remains low, with only 12% of Europeans checking it before booking flights. However, awareness is relatively high, with 50% of respondents acknowledging familiarity with the List. Notably, the EU Air Safety List significantly influences passenger behavior; when an airline is listed, only 8% of Europeans would consider booking a flight with it. These findings are consistently observed across the EU, reinforcing the List's role in promoting aviation safety.