Philippine and Sudanese airlines banned from EU airspace

The European Union has banned all airlines from Sudan and the Philippines from its airspace as part of an effort to improve safety standards in member states.
The decision follows consultation with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and sees the total number of countries on the blacklist rise to 17.
European Union Commission vice-president Siim Kallas, responsible for Transport, said: "Safety comes first. We are ready to support countries that need to build up technical and administrative capacity to guarantee the necessary standards in civil aviation.

"But we cannot accept that airlines fly into the EU if they do not fully comply with international safety standards."
Poor safety performance
Outlining the reasoning behind the decision, the EU explained an operating ban had been placed on all operations of Sudanese air carriers due to the poor safety performance of the civil aviation authority in the country and resultant persistent non-compliance with international standards.
With regard to the Philippines, the Commission acknowledged recent efforts by authorities to reform the civil aviation system and steps taken to address safety deficiencies reported by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and ICAO
In particular measures taken by two carriers – Philippines Airlines and Cebu Airlines – to ensure safety of operations were noted, with the EU ready to support the Philippines in overcoming serious safety deficiencies.