ArmInfo.EU has updated its airspace "blacklist". Along with air carriers from Afghanistan, Tanzania, Suriname, European skies remain "closed" for Armenian airlines, AeroTime reports. According to the source, on June 3, 2025, the European Commission (EC) updated its no-fly list, banning airlines from certain countries from European airspace for safety grounds.
It is noted that the latest update of the "blacklist" is based on the unanimous opinion of the European Union (EU) Member State aviation safety experts, who met in Brussels from 13 to 15 May, 2025, under the auspices of the EU Air Safety Committee. Following the latest update, a total of 169 airlines are now banned from EU skies. This includes 142 airlines registered in 17 countries, including Afghanistan, Angola (except for 2 airlines), Armenia, Congo (Brazzaville), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Suriname and Tanzania.
The official reason given for the countries' presence on the blacklist is "due to inadequate safety oversight by the aviation authorities of these countries," said an EC statement. Additionally, 22 airlines certified in Russia, as well as five individual airlines from other states, based on serious safety deficiencies identified were also included on the latest list - Air Zimbabwe of Zimbabwe, Avior Airlines of Venezuela, Iran Aseman Airlines from Iran, plus Fly Baghdad and Iraqi Airways (both of Iraq). Two additional airlines are subject to operational restrictions and can only fly to the EU with specific aircraft types. These included Iran Air of Iran and Air Koryo, registered in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
"Passenger safety remains our top priority," said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.
