Air travel is an essential part of our adventures around the world. For many of us, an airplane is the first step to exploring new destinations, visiting friends and family, or simply embarking on a new adventure.

However, not all airlines offer the same level of safety. When booking a ticket, it’s essential to consider not only the price but also the airline’s reputation.

The European Commission and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are two organizations that regularly evaluate airlines’ safety.

The European Commission, for example, regularly publishes its air safety list, which indicates which airlines are banned from operating in European airspace due to serious safety standards breaches.

So here are the airlines currently considered to be the most unsafe in the world:

Most insecure airlines

1. AIR TANZANIA (Tanzania)

Recently added to the European Union’s blacklist, Air Tanzania faces serious operational deficiencies that raise concerns about the safety of its flights.

2. AIR ZIMBABWE (Zimbabwe)

Zimbabwe’s national airline faces financial and operational difficulties that compromise flight safety.

3. AVIOR AIRLINES (Venezuela)

This Venezuelan airline faces significant challenges in complying with international safety standards.

4. BLUE WING AIRLINES (Suriname)

Known for its history of fatal accidents, this airline is listed as one of the least safe in the world.

5. IRAN ASEMAN AIRLINES (Iran)

With an aging fleet and limited access to new aircraft due to international sanctions, Iran Aseman Airlines is considered a risky option.

6. FLY BAGHDAD (Iraq)

With limited operations and infrastructure challenges, Fly Baghdad also raises concerns.

7. IRAQI AIRWAYS (Iraq)

Banned from operating in the European Union, the company faces challenges with fleet maintenance and compliance with international safety standards.

8. IRAN AIR (Iran)

Another Iranian company facing challenges related to fleet modernization and international sanctions.

9. AIR KORYO (North Korea)

Known as the “world’s worst airline,” Air Koryo faces serious safety and service quality deficiencies.

10. TRIGANA AIR SERVICE (Indonesia)

With a history of several serious accidents, this Indonesian airline continues to be a safety concern.

11. LION AIR (Indonesia)

Despite being one of the largest companies in Indonesia, Lion Air has a significant history of safety problems, including the tragic accident in 2018 that killed 189 people.

12. AIR ASIA ZEST (Philippines)

This company has faced significant problems related to aircraft maintenance and compliance with international safety standards.

Banned airlines by country

In addition to the airlines I mentioned above, the European Union has also banned all companies certified by the following countries, with a few exceptions:

• AFGHANISTAN

Due to political instability and lack of adequate supervision, all Afghan airlines are banned.

• ANGOLA (except TAAG Angola Airlines and Heli Malongo)

The remaining Angolan companies face critical security problems.

• ARMENIA

No Armenian airline meets the standards required by the European Union.

• CONGO (Brazzaville) AND DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)

Both countries have all their companies banned due to serious deficiencies.

• DJIBOUTI, EQUATORIAL GUINEA AND ERITREA

These countries face similar restrictions due to a lack of adequate supervision.

• KYRGYZSTAN

The country’s civil aviation is blacklisted due to widespread operational problems.

• LIBERIA AND LIBYA

Companies in these countries are considered unsafe because they do not meet international standards.

• NEPAL

Nepalese airlines remain on the list due to challenging mountain flying conditions and a lack of infrastructure.

• RUSSIA

All certified Russian airlines are banned due to a lack of compliance with international standards.

• SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE, SIERRA LEONE, AND SUDAN

Carriers from these countries do not meet minimum safety requirements.

Always be informed about the most insecure airlines

The lists of the world’s most insecure airlines can change from time to time. New inspections are occasionally conducted, some companies make changes and undergo a new assessment, or some go out of business.

That’s why I suggest you follow some official sources, such as these:

• European Commission – Air Safety List
• ICAO Safety Reports
• AirlineRatings – Safety Index

Remember: when booking flights, considering the airline’s safety can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip.

The most insecure airlines in the world