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Summaries of EU Legislation

Information for passengers: air carriers’ identity

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 — list of air carriers subject to an operating ban within the EU and the identity of operating air carriers

SUMMARY

WHAT DOES THIS REGULATION DO?

  • It establishes a publicly available list of airlines which are banned from flying in the EU because they do not meet the required safety standards (Annex A) and of airlines that are restricted from flying under certain conditions (Annex B).
  • It ensures that passengers know the identity of the airline they fly with.

KEY POINTS

  • An airline is placed on the banned list if it is found to have serious safety deficiencies and fails to correct them.
  • Common EU criteria based on relevant safety standards exist to determine whether an operating ban should be imposed. The European Commission may amend these in the light of scientific and technical developments.
  • If unforeseen safety problems arise, an EU country may impose an immediate ban on an airline.
  • Airlines are given the opportunity to be heard if the Commission adopts decisions to place an air carrier on the banned list.
  • The list is published in the EU’s Official Journal. The Commission and EU countries must facilitate public access to the list, notably via the internet. Civil aviation authorities and airports must also make the public aware of it.
  • Ticket sellers, tour operators and travel agents must inform passengers of the identity of the airline that is planned to be used for their travel when they make their bookings. Passengers must be informed of any subsequent changes as soon as possible and, at the latest, at check-in or when boarding.
  • Passengers are entitled to reimbursement or re-routing if the airline is placed on the banned list after they make their booking.

In December 2015, the Commission published a comprehensive aviation strategy for Europe. In addition to looking to improve the sector’s competitiveness, the strategy emphasises the importance of maintaining high safety and security standards and protection of passengers’ rights.

By November 2016, each non-EU airline flying to the EU will need to have a single air safety authorisation issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency. These authorisations validate airlines’ compliance with international safety standards and are valid throughout the EU.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It applies from 16 January 2006.

BACKGROUND

List of airlines banned within the EU

ACT

Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005 on the establishment of a Community list of air carriers subject to an operating ban within the Community and on informing air transport passengers of the identity of the operating air carrier, and repealing Article 9 of Directive 2004/36/EC (OJ L 344, 27.12.2005, pp. 15–22)

Successive amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

RELATED ACTS

Commission Regulation (EC) No 474/2006 of 22 March 2006 establishing the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Community referred to in Chapter II of Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 84, 23.3.2006, pp. 14–28).

See consolidated version.

last update 11.04.2023

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