The European Commission has published the 48th update of the EU Air Safety List (ASL), a mechanism introduced in 2006 to inform passengers about airlines that fail to comply with international safety standards.
Among the latest changes is the inclusion of Algeria’s Air Express Algeria, which is now prohibited from operating flights to, within, or from EU airspace, including overflights. This decision follows what the Commission described as “serious safety concerns,” with European experts identifying significant shortcomings in the airline’s compliance with international aviation safety standards.
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Founded in 2002, Air Express Algeria is a privately owned airline specializing in air transport services for the oil and gas industry. Based primarily in Hassi Messaoud, at the heart of Algeria’s main oil-producing region, the carrier focuses on serving energy sector operators. Its fleet includes Beechcraft 1900D aircraft, LET L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft, and Citation business jets.
The update was adopted following a unanimous recommendation by the EU Air Safety Committee, which met in Brussels from May 19 to 21, 2026. Chaired by the European Commission with the support of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Parliament’s transport committee, the committee bases its decisions on international standards, notably those established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Conversely, the revised list removes all airlines certified in Kyrgyzstan, recognizing the country’s progress in strengthening aviation safety oversight over the past two decades.
In total, 154 airlines are now banned from operating in EU airspace. Of these, 126 carriers from 16 countries are listed due to deficiencies in safety oversight by their national aviation authorities. The blacklist also includes 22 Russian airlines and six individual carriers from other countries, including Air Express Algeria, which were cited for serious safety deficiencies.
Meanwhile, two airlines—Iran Air and Air Koryo—remain subject to strict operational restrictions, allowing them to operate only certain aircraft types.
