Zimbabwe: Air Zimbabwe banned from operating flights to EU May 16

Event

On Tuesday, May 16, Air Zimbabwe was added to the European Union (EU) Air Safety List and is now banned from operating flights within EU airspace. The airline was added to the list after the European Aviation Safety Agency determined that the airline has not addressed operational safety issues.

Context

The European Commission updated the EU Air Safety List (which determines which non-European airlines do not meet international safety standards) on May 16. In addition to Air Zimbabwe, carriers from Nigeria (Med-View), Ukraine (Air Urga), and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Mustique Airways) were added to the list in response to unaddressed safety deficiencies. On the other hand, all carriers from Benin and Mozambique were cleared from the list in light of aviation safety improvements in those countries.

As of May 16, 181 airlines are banned from operating in the EU, with 174 airlines from 16 countries banned due to improper safety oversight by authorities from their respective countries. Seven airlines are banned due to poor safety standards among the airlines themselves. A full list of airlines banned from EU airspace is available on the European Commission website.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to verify their travel plans and to contact their airline directly or visit the European Commission website for further information.