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The European Union has dealt another setback to African aviation by expanding its Air Safety List (ASL)—commonly referred to as the EU flight blacklist—stripping dozens of carriers of permission to operate in European airspace.
The 2025 EU Air Safety List, designed to safeguard passengers traveling to, from, or within Europe, has once again exposed critical weaknesses in aviation oversight across several African nations. As of June 2024, the list included 128 blacklisted airlines. By December 2024, the number rose to 131, and the latest June 2025 update now bans 169 airlines from EU skies. Of these, 142 carriers—certified in 17 countries—were barred due to insufficient safety oversight by their national aviation regulators.
A substantial share of the affected states are in Africa, including Angola (excluding two airlines), Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Liberia, Libya, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Tanzania. In some countries, such as Liberia and Sierra Leone, every active airline is now prohibited from flying to Europe.
The list also names individual airlines banned for specific safety violations, including operators from Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Iran, and Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran Air and Air Koryo (North Korea) remain partially restricted, permitted to fly to the EU only with certain aircraft types.
Despite notable improvements in fleet modernization and operational standards among African carriers, the EU places ultimate accountability on national aviation regulators rather than individual airlines. The European Commission’s latest assessment flagged serious deficiencies in regulatory supervision, safety management systems, and compliance with international aviation standards.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, reiterated this position: “Passenger safety remains our top priority. Following a detailed technical assessment, the European Commission has added all air carriers certified in Suriname and Tanzania to the EU Air Safety List due to serious deficiencies in national aviation oversight. We urge both countries to address these issues promptly. The Commission stands ready to support their efforts toward full compliance with international safety standards.”
The blacklist carries steep economic consequences for Africa’s aviation industry. EU bans not only cut off access to lucrative European routes but also drive-up insurance and leasing costs, weaken international partnerships, and undercut tourism-driven economies dependent on global connectivity. However, experts note that recovery is achievable. Several countries previously removed from the blacklist did so by strengthening regulatory oversight, aligning with global best practices, and undergoing multiple safety audits.
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That track record offers both a blueprint and a caution: reform demands sustained investment, technical capacity, and political resolve. As Africa’s air travel sector continues its rapid expansion, one truth stands out—stronger safety governance is not optional but essential. Building credible, compliant aviation systems is now an urgent prerequisite for restoring confidence and securing the continent’s place in global skies.