BRUSSELS, Belgium — The European Commission has banned all air carriers certified in Suriname and Tanzania from operating in European Union airspace, citing “serious safety deficiencies” in both countries’ aviation oversight systems.
The update, announced Friday, adds the two nations to the EU Air Safety List—a blacklist of airlines deemed too unsafe to fly in European skies.
The Commission said the ban follows a unanimous recommendation by the EU Air Safety Committee, which convened in Brussels last month.
“This decision is based on serious safety concerns identified during assessments conducted by European Union aviation safety experts,” the Commission said in a statement.
The shortcomings include ineffective oversight of flight operations and aircraft maintenance, non-compliance with international aviation standards, and a shortage of qualified aviation personnel in both countries.
“Passenger safety remains our top priority,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. “We urge both countries to address these issues promptly. The Commission stands ready to support their efforts toward full compliance.”
The ban applies to all Tanzanian and Surinamese airlines, regardless of individual carrier performance, due to what the Commission described as systemic regulatory failures at the national level.
What the Ban Means
Airlines certified in the two countries can no longer operate flights to, from, or within the EU.
For Tanzania, the move comes just as the country is preparing to expand its domestic rail and cargo infrastructure and amid a series of international criticisms over governance and rights abuses.
A total of 169 airlines are now banned from EU airspace, including 142 airlines certified in 17 countries with poor safety oversight, as well as 22 airlines from Russia and five others flagged individually, such as Air Zimbabwe and Iran Aseman Airlines.
Two additional carriers—Iran Air and North Korea’s Air Koryo—face restrictions allowing them to operate only certain aircraft into EU territory.
Oversight and Accountability
The EU updates its Air Safety List regularly to ensure it reflects the latest safety assessments and compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The process is supported by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and backed by the European Parliament’s Transport Committee.
The Commission emphasized that its aviation safety policy is rooted in protecting not only European travelers but also global passengers.
The affected countries have not immediately responded to the decision.
However, under the EU framework, the ban may be lifted if their aviation regulators and certified carriers can demonstrate sustained compliance with international safety protocols.
