The European Union has enacted a sweeping ban on all airlines certified in Suriname and Tanzania, following a comprehensive technical assessment that uncovered serious safety oversight failures in both countries’ aviation sectors. This decisive move, announced by the European Commission on June 3, 2025, brings the total number of airlines prohibited from EU airspace to 169, marking a significant escalation in the bloc’s commitment to passenger safety.

Rigorous Assessment and Broad Consensus

The decision is rooted in extensive evaluations conducted by European aviation safety experts, who scrutinized both operational and regulatory frameworks in Suriname and Tanzania. The assessments, carried out under the auspices of the EU Air Safety Committee in Brussels from May 13 to 15, 2025, revealed systemic shortcomings. These included:

• Acute shortages of qualified aviation personnel
• Inadequate regulatory oversight of flight operations and airworthiness
• Widespread non-compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards by both national authorities and certified carriers

The EU Air Safety Committee, comprising experts from all member states and supported by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, unanimously recommended the ban. The decision is based on international safety standards, particularly those set by ICAO, which serve as the global benchmark for aviation safety.

Impact on Airlines and Aviation Markets

The ban has immediate and far-reaching implications. For Suriname, Surinam Airways—the national flag carrier—has already suspended flights to Cayenne, French Guiana, an EU territory. In Tanzania, the prohibition affects 35 air operators, including Air Tanzania, which had previously sought to expand its international footprint with new routes to Europe.

The ban not only blocks direct flights to the EU but also severely undermines global confidence in the affected countries’ aviation oversight, making it more difficult for their airlines to secure codeshare agreements, aircraft leases, and insurance.

According to aviation analysts, the reputational damage from being blacklisted can take years to repair, often outlasting the technical deficiencies themselves. Airlines on the EU blacklist face substantial financial losses from lost access to lucrative European routes, increased insurance premiums, and operational challenges in maintaining or upgrading their fleets. For the countries involved, the ban can have broader economic consequences, impacting tourism, trade, and diplomatic relations with the EU.

Global Context and Precedents

With this update, 142 airlines from 17 countries are now banned due to inadequate safety oversight by their national authorities. These countries include Afghanistan, Angola (except two airlines), Armenia, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Suriname, and Tanzania. Additionally, 22 Russian airlines and five individual carriers from Venezuela, Iran, Zimbabwe, and Iraq are banned for specific safety deficiencies.

Two other airlines, Iran Air and North Korea’s Air Koryo, face operational restrictions rather than outright bans, reflecting the EU’s nuanced, risk-based approach to aviation safety enforcement.

Path to Reinstatement

Despite the severity of the ban, there is a path to removal from the EU Air Safety List. Airlines and national authorities must demonstrate substantial improvements in safety oversight, often requiring investments in staff training, regulatory reforms, and close collaboration with international aviation bodies. The EU has expressed readiness to support Suriname and Tanzania in addressing their deficiencies and regaining compliance with global standards.

EU’s Commitment to Safety

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety, stating, “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”.

This latest action underscores the EU’s determination to uphold the highest standards in international aviation, sending a clear message that non-compliance with global safety norms will not be tolerated in European airspace.

The European Union has enacted a sweeping ban on all airlines certified in Suriname and Tanzania, following a comprehensive technical assessment that uncovered serious safety oversight failures in both countries’ aviation sectors. This decisive move, announced by the European Commission on June 3, 2025, brings the total number of airlines prohibited from EU airspace to 169, marking a significant escalation in the bloc’s commitment to passenger safety.

Rigorous Assessment and Broad Consensus

The decision is rooted in extensive evaluations conducted by European aviation safety experts, who scrutinized both operational and regulatory frameworks in Suriname and Tanzania. The assessments, carried out under the auspices of the EU Air Safety Committee in Brussels from May 13 to 15, 2025, revealed systemic shortcomings. These included:

• Acute shortages of qualified aviation personnel
• Inadequate regulatory oversight of flight operations and airworthiness
• Widespread non-compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards by both national authorities and certified carriers

The EU Air Safety Committee, comprising experts from all member states and supported by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, unanimously recommended the ban. The decision is based on international safety standards, particularly those set by ICAO, which serve as the global benchmark for aviation safety.

Impact on Airlines and Aviation Markets

The ban has immediate and far-reaching implications. For Suriname, Surinam Airways—the national flag carrier—has already suspended flights to Cayenne, French Guiana, an EU territory. In Tanzania, the prohibition affects 35 air operators, including Air Tanzania, which had previously sought to expand its international footprint with new routes to Europe.

The ban not only blocks direct flights to the EU but also severely undermines global confidence in the affected countries’ aviation oversight, making it more difficult for their airlines to secure codeshare agreements, aircraft leases, and insurance.

According to aviation analysts, the reputational damage from being blacklisted can take years to repair, often outlasting the technical deficiencies themselves. Airlines on the EU blacklist face substantial financial losses from lost access to lucrative European routes, increased insurance premiums, and operational challenges in maintaining or upgrading their fleets. For the countries involved, the ban can have broader economic consequences, impacting tourism, trade, and diplomatic relations with the EU.

Global Context and Precedents

With this update, 142 airlines from 17 countries are now banned due to inadequate safety oversight by their national authorities. These countries include Afghanistan, Angola (except two airlines), Armenia, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Suriname, and Tanzania. Additionally, 22 Russian airlines and five individual carriers from Venezuela, Iran, Zimbabwe, and Iraq are banned for specific safety deficiencies.

Two other airlines, Iran Air and North Korea’s Air Koryo, face operational restrictions rather than outright bans, reflecting the EU’s nuanced, risk-based approach to aviation safety enforcement.

Path to Reinstatement

Despite the severity of the ban, there is a path to removal from the EU Air Safety List. Airlines and national authorities must demonstrate substantial improvements in safety oversight, often requiring investments in staff training, regulatory reforms, and close collaboration with international aviation bodies. The EU has expressed readiness to support Suriname and Tanzania in addressing their deficiencies and regaining compliance with global standards.

EU’s Commitment to Safety

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety, stating, “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”.

This latest action underscores the EU’s determination to uphold the highest standards in international aviation, sending a clear message that non-compliance with global safety norms will not be tolerated in European airspace.

Qatar Airways has made a landmark move by becoming the Official Airline Partner of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™ 2025, set to take place across 12 venues in the United States from June 14 to July 13. This partnership follows Qatar Airways’ historic UEFA Champions League sponsorship treble, where it uniquely sponsored both finalists and the tournament itself.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ will feature 32 of the world’s top football clubs competing in a month-long tournament, including renowned teams such as Inter Miami, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, with matches held in major U.S. cities like Miami, New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, expressed pride in the new agreement, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to connecting fans with world-class football. He stated, “The new agreement with FIFA underlines what we value most – teaming up with the pinnacle of sport to bring fans closer to the action.

The presence of Qatar Airways at this ground-breaking tournament goes beyond branding, as we look to elevate the fan experience and connect them through our global network of more than 170 destinations, with 11 gateways in the United States. We are proud to be here, and play our role in uniting players, officials and fans through the power of football and global travel”.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting Qatar Airways’ passion for excellence and global connectivity as ideal for supporting this historic expansion of club football. The tournament aims to unite fans worldwide by showcasing elite club competition on an unprecedented scale, with every match broadcast live and free on DAZN, enhancing accessibility for football enthusiasts globally.

This collaboration continues Qatar Airways’ long-standing relationship with FIFA, having been the Official Airline Partner since 2017 and supporting numerous FIFA events including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and previous editions of the FIFA Club World Cup. The airline’s extensive global network and commitment to premium service position it as a key player in delivering exceptional fan experiences at this landmark football event

Emirates Airlines has officially introduced its advanced Airbus A350 aircraft on the Dubai–Amman route, marking a major milestone for both the airline and Jordan’s aviation sector. The A350 made its debut landing at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport on May 20, 2025, two weeks ahead of its initially scheduled June 1 launch, with flight EK905 departing Dubai at 22:10 and arriving in Amman at 00:15.

The return service, EK906, left Amman at 02:05 and landed in Dubai at 06:05, establishing the A350 as a regular fixture on Emirates’ second daily service between the two cities.

The Emirates A350 is configured with 312 seats across three cabins: 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement, and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. The aircraft is designed for enhanced passenger comfort, featuring higher ceilings, wider aisles, and a quieter cabin environment. 

Notably, the A350 offers improved seat ergonomics, a brand-new 6-way adjustable headrest in Economy Class for better neck support, and larger overhead storage bins.

Passengers benefit from Emirates’ latest in-flight entertainment system, ICE, which now includes a cinematic 4K display, an intuitive interface for visually impaired travelers, faster Wi-Fi, improved lighting, and a vast content library. Additional features include digital newspapers and magazines, touchscreen call bell buttons for crew service, and a spacious galley area for passengers to stretch and access complimentary snacks.

The A350’s introduction to Amman is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to modernize its fleet and expand its network. The aircraft currently serves six other destinations, including Edinburgh, Kuwait, and Mumbai, and will soon be deployed to cities such as Oslo, Istanbul, and Ho Chi Minh City. By the end of 2025, Emirates plans to operate the A350 on 17 global routes.

This deployment highlights Emirates’ 39-year relationship with Jordan, dating back to 1986, and underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, tourism, and trade links between Dubai, Amman, and beyond. Emirates also continues to operate its flagship A380 on the Dubai–Amman route, providing travelers with more premium options and enhanced travel experiences.

Etihad Airways and TAP Air Portugal have officially launched a comprehensive frequent flyer partnership as of May 14, 2025, marking a significant expansion in loyalty benefits and global connectivity for travelers. Under this new agreement, members of Etihad Guest and TAP Miles&Go can now earn and redeem miles seamlessly across both airlines’ networks, greatly enhancing travel flexibility and reward options.

For Etihad Guest members, the partnership opens up the ability to redeem miles not only on flights but also on worldwide hotel stays, holiday packages, and a wide range of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. TAP Miles&Go members enjoy similar flexibility, with the option to use their miles for flights and a variety of exclusive offers, including items from the TAP Store.

This integration means that both frequent and occasional travelers can accelerate their rewards and enjoy a more comprehensive travel experience, covering everything from airfare to accommodation and curated holiday packages.

The partnership builds on a strategic codeshare agreement established between the two airlines in 2023, which had already enhanced connectivity and destination choices for passengers. The combined route networks now span North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, allowing members to access a truly global array of destinations.

For example, Etihad Guest members can earn miles on TAP-operated flights to cities such as Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, and Cancun, while TAP Miles&Go members can now earn and redeem miles on Etihad’s growing network, including new destinations like Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, and Medan.

The partnership also emphasizes improved customer experience through streamlined booking, mileage tracking, and the potential for joint promotions, tier benefits, and personalized offers. According to Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, this collaboration offers members even more ways to earn and redeem miles across the Americas, Europe, and Africa, reinforcing Etihad’s commitment to rewarding loyalty wherever members travel.

Pedro Flores Ribeiro, Director of TAP Miles&Go, highlighted the excitement of offering TAP members the opportunity to redeem miles on Etihad flights and welcoming Etihad Guest members to experience TAP’s renowned Portuguese hospitality.

Both airlines bring strong reputations and extensive networks to the partnership. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is recognized for its award-winning service and global reach, while TAP Air Portugal, a Star Alliance member since 2005, operates one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in Europe and has been ranked the safest airline in Europe for 2025.

This alliance is expected to drive cross-brand loyalty, attract new customers, and set a new standard for frequent flyer benefits in the competitive airline industry

India’s budget airline powerhouse, IndiGo, is making bold moves to expand its international presence, with the launch of daily direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah starting May 15. This milestone makes Fujairah IndiGo’s fifth UAE destination and its 41st international route, strengthening the airline’s strategic footprint across the Middle East.

To enhance connectivity beyond Fujairah, IndiGo will also offer dedicated bus services linking Fujairah with Dubai and Sharjah—adding to its existing UAE network that includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.

“As our 41st international destination and fifth in the UAE, these new flights will further enhance regional connectivity,” said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo.

Wider Horizons: Dreamliners and Europe-Bound Ambitions
The Fujairah announcement comes as part of a broader international expansion push by the airline. On Friday, IndiGo revealed it is increasing its wide-body fleet by acquiring two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways, adding to an existing damp-lease agreement that already includes four aircraft.

Currently, one Dreamliner (registration LN-FNC) has been flying under IndiGo’s banner since March 1, 2025, with three more set to be deployed later this year. The two newly announced aircraft are expected to join the fleet by early 2026, with the lease potentially extending to 18 months, pending regulatory approval.

These long-haul aircraft will play a pivotal role in IndiGo’s upcoming routes to Europe, including new services to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol set to launch in July 2025. The airline will initially operate these routes using Norse aircraft before transitioning to its own fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900s, the first of which is expected in 2027.

With growing momentum in both regional and long-haul markets, IndiGo’s latest moves signal a clear intention: to elevate itself from a domestic leader to a formidable global player.