Air Express Algeria was added to the European Union’s aviation safety blacklist in late June due to “serious safety concerns,” according to reports from Blick. The carrier is one of 154 airlines currently banned from operating within EU airspace and Switzerland, where landing permits are denied to companies with grave safety deficiencies or insufficient home-country oversight.
Air Express Algeria Joins EU Aviation Blacklist
The EU’s “Air Safety List” serves as a strict barrier for airlines failing to meet international safety standards. Air Express Algeria, founded in 2002, now faces a total ban on flights to European airports, including major Swiss hubs like Zurich (Kloten), Geneva, Basel, and Bern.
The airline operates a diverse fleet consisting of Beechcraft 1900D, LET L-410 UVP-E20, and Citation-Jet aircraft. Their service portfolio includes charter flights, passenger transport, VIP flights, and medical evacuations—all of which are now prohibited within the EU and Switzerland.
Did you know? Switzerland fully adopts the EU blacklist, but the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA/Bazl) conducts its own additional spot checks on foreign carriers to ensure safety, according to Travelnews.
Current Scope of the EU Air Safety List
The blacklist currently encompasses 154 airlines and 16 aviation authorities. While some bans target specific companies, others are blanket bans on entire nations. According to the list, all airlines from the following countries are completely barred from European airspace:
- Afghanistan, Russia, Libya, and Nepal
- Sudan, Tanzania, Suriname, and Eritrea
- Angola, Armenia, and both Congo republics
Partial Bans and Specific Restrictions
Not every restriction is absolute. Some carriers face “partial bans” based on aircraft type. For example, Iran Air is restricted from using specific aircraft models in Europe. Similarly, North Korea’s Air Koryo is banned across its entire fleet except for two specific aircraft.
Other individual airlines currently banned include Air Zimbabwe, Avior Airlines (Venezuela), Iran Aseman Airlines, Fly Baghdad, and Iraqi Airways.
The Path to Reinstatement: Kirgistan’s 20-Year Recovery
Aviation bans are not necessarily permanent. The EU removes carriers once they prove a permanent commitment to international safety regulations.
A significant precedent occurred recently with Kirgistan. After 20 years of being banned, all airlines from Kirgistan are once again permitted to land in Europe. The EU attributed this reversal to “significant improvements in state aviation oversight.”
Pro Tip: When booking charter or regional flights in non-EU countries, check the current EU Air Safety List to verify the carrier’s standing. A “blacklisted” status is an indicator of safety failures.
Comparison of Ban Types
| Ban Category | Scope | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full Country Ban | All carriers from a specific nation | Russia, Afghanistan |
| Individual Ban | Specific airline due to safety gaps | Air Express Algeria |
| Partial Ban | Specific aircraft types only | Iran Air |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Air Express Algeria on the blacklist?
The airline was added in late June due to “serious safety concerns” regarding its operations.
Does the EU blacklist apply to Switzerland?
Yes. Switzerland adopts the EU list entirely, meaning banned airlines cannot land at Swiss airports.
How can an airline get off the blacklist?
Airlines must demonstrate that they permanently meet international safety standards, as seen in the case of Kirgistan.
Want to stay updated on global aviation safety and travel regulations? Subscribe to our newsletter or leave a comment below with your thoughts on airline safety oversight.
Keep reading
