Air travel: safety and security
Understand and reduce the risks associated with air travel including airline safety, airport security and weather events.
Aviation safety standards
Some countries have lower aviation safety and security standards than the UK. Before you travel, research the safety standards for any airlines and aircraft you plan to take.
The Department for Transport (DfT) maintains the UK Air Safety List. This list is based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and contains the list of countries and airlines that are subject to an operating ban on safety grounds. They cannot fly to, from or within the UK.
When choosing who to fly with, check whether an airline is:
- on the UK Air Safety List
- certified in any of the countries on the list
Learn more about aviation safety on the UN International Civil Aviation Organization website.
Flight paths over conflict zones
Airlines may fly over areas of conflict or where there have been instances of terrorism. Each airline regularly conducts their own safety and security risk assessments if they are flying over or near conflict regions.
Additionally, DfT shares information with UK-registered airlines about risks that could affect their operations. DfT may, in specific circumstances, advise UK-registered airlines to re-route or to temporarily suspend their operations over or near conflict areas.
Learn more about flying over conflict zones on the UN International Civil Aviation Organization website.
Extreme weather
There are many extreme weather events and other natural hazards that can disrupt flights and cause delays.
Poor weather, including fog, can cause delays and diversions, particularly for smaller aircraft or remote airports. Take this into account if you have a smaller, domestic flight connecting to an international service.
Check for warnings provided by your airline and the airport you are flying to or from. Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Airport security
Some countries or territories have additional security measures at their airports. These can take extra time to pass through when arriving at or leaving an airport, or before boarding a flight.
Leave plenty of time to go through security checks.
Before you travel
You should also check foreign travel advice before you travel abroad.
Disclaimer
Read the disclaimer relating to this guidance.