Deadline for EASA Safety Authorization Draws Near

Commercial aircraft operating into and out of European Union airspace after November 25 will need to carry proof of an EASA Safety Authorization for entry to the region. The new EASA safety authorization is designed to close the gap between ICAO safety requirements and those of the EASA. The EASA rule related to the safety authorization became applicable in May this year when the safety agency began accepting applications that provided a six-month grace period.

The new rule also requires third-country operators headed for the following countries to carry the authorization; Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland and the territories in which the basic regulation applies; Gibraltar, Åland Islands, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Saint-Martine and Mayotte. The authorization is not required for operators that will only overfly these territories.

Aircraft attempting to enter the areas mentioned without the required authorization after November 25 should expect significant delays.