Moldova Adds Afghanistan Airlines To EU-Aligned Flight Ban List

The decision, published in the government's official journal and reported by local media on Friday, aligns with the European Union aviation safety list targeting airlines that fail to meet international safety standards.

The restrictions also include 22 Russian airlines such as Aeroflot, Pobeda and Ikar, as well as nearly 200 carriers from more than 20 countries, including Iran, Venezuela, Kyrgyzstan, Libya and Sudan.

Moldovan authorities said the measure will remain in force until the country joins the EU, as part of efforts to harmonise domestic aviation rules with European civil aviation safety standards.

The move affects Afghanistan carriers at a time when the country's aviation sector faces ongoing operational and regulatory challenges.

Recently, Ariana Afghan Airlines increased its passenger flights to India and expanded cargo services, seeking to strengthen regional connectivity and trade links.

The EU aviation safety list is regularly updated and bans airlines that do not comply with international oversight and safety requirements.

Moldova, which has accelerated its EU accession process, has pledged to align its transport and aviation regulations with European norms.

The updated ban underscores growing regulatory pressure on airlines from several countries, including Afghanistan, as Moldova deepens its alignment with EU aviation standards.

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