The European Union (EU) has lifted a ban on all airlines flying from Benin and Mozambique to EU countries.

The removal of ban was mentioned in the newly updated EU air safety list, which contains the names of non-European airlines that do not meet international safety standards, and are subsequently subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU.

According to EU, the approval to Benin and Mozambique airlines was granted following improvements to the aviation safety situation in these two countries.

Meanwhile, the updated EU air safety list has added four airlines due to unaddressed safety deficiencies that were detected by the European Aviation Safety Agency during the assessment for a third country operator authorisation.

“The EC and the European Aviation Safety Agency are ready to assist them and raise the safety standards worldwide.”

The newly added carriers include Nigerian airline Med-View, Mustique Airways from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ukrainian aviation company Urga, and Air Zimbabwe.

European Commission (EC) transport commissioner Violeta Bulc said: “I am glad that we are able to take all carriers from Benin and Mozambique out of the air safety list.

“Their reforms have paid off. This is also a signal to the 16 countries that remain on the list. It shows that work and cooperation pays off.

“The EC and the European Aviation Safety Agency are ready to assist them and raise the safety standards worldwide.”

The updated EU air safety list has also banned a total of 181 airlines from the EU skies.

Of the 181 airlines, 174 airlines certified in 16 countries have faced the ban due to a lack of safety oversight by the aviation authorities from these nations.

The updated list also includes seven individual airlines that were banned because of safety concerns with regard to the airlines themselves.

In addition, six more airlines are subject to operational restrictions and can only fly to the EU with specific aircraft types.