UK-India routes hit after Turkmenistan Airlines banned from flying in Europe

The European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) placed the budget carrier on a blacklist, effective from Monday morning (February 4), forcing it to suspend all flights serving the EU.

Turkmenistan Airlines operated flights from Heathrow and Birmingham to Amritsar, and Heathrow to Delhi via Ashgabat.

The CAA has confirmed it has withdrawn the airline’s permit to operate to the UK.

“Following the decision by the European Aviation Safety Agency to suspend permission for Turkmenistan Airlines to operate services to the European Union, Turkmenistan Airlines flights from Birmingham and Heathrow to Amritsar, and Heathrow to New Delhi – which fly via Ashgabat – are suspended with immediate effect,” said the CAA.

“The UK Civil Aviation Authority is required under European law to withdraw Turkmenistan Airlines’ permit to operate to the UK pending Easa’s restoration of their approval that it meets international air safety standards.”

The Foreign Office added: “The European Aviation Safety Agency has suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from the EU pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards.

“This means that Turkmenistan Airlines flights between the UK (London Heathrow and Birmingham) and Turkmenistan (Ashgabat), do not have permission to travel to and from the UK.

“Affected passengers are advised to contact Turkmenistan Airlines to seek advice.”