EU-imposed operating bans in air transport
The EU may impose an operating ban on an airline if serious safety deficiencies are identified in its operations. An airline subject to an operating ban is not allowed to operate within the European Union. The European Commission maintains an up-to-date list of airlines subject to operating bans, as well as of airlines whose operations are restricted for safety reasons.
Operating bans are based on international aviation safety requirements and safety assessments. A ban may be imposed, for example, if an airline does not comply with international safety standards or if the regulatory oversight of its operations is inadequate. The ban may apply to the airline’s entire operations or only to a part of them.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) supervises the safety of airlines operating to/from Finland and participates in international safety cooperation. Traficom assesses safety risks related to air transport and may, if necessary, restrict or suspend an airline’s operations for safety reasons.
The EU imposes an operating ban if an airline does not meet international aviation safety requirements. The assessment relies on the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as other available safety information. Traficom participates in EU cooperation and monitors aviation safety as part of this framework. In addition, Traficom may restrict an airline’s operating rights in Finland if serious deficiencies in aviation safety are identified. Traficom also monitors compliance with aviation safety requirements through ramp inspections.
An EU operating ban applies only within the EU, meaning that a banned airline can still operate in its home country and fly to destinations outside the EU.
Up-to-date list of air carriers subject to an operating ban
The European Commission publishes and maintains on its website a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within the European Union.