BRUSSELS (AP) — The EU says it will update next week its controversial blacklist of foreign airlines banned from flying to Europe.
The index of more than 200 airlines lists carriers deemed by the EU not to meet international safety standards. But critics note that many of the companies listed have long since gone out of business, including dozens of fly-by-night cargo, charter and air taxi outfits in Africa.
The list, first drawn up in 2006, was revised last year to allow specific aircraft from some banned carriers to fly to Europe because they were considered safe.
North Korea’s state-owned carrier Air Koryo, on the list since its inception, is expected to receive an exemption for its two new Tu-204 jetliners, officials said.
The EU made the announcement Thursday.
