Israel's Air Safety Rating Drops

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lowered Israel's aviation safety standard rating to Category 2 following an assessment made earlier this year of the country's civil aviation authority. The agency noted the rating "is not related to security issues."

Israel had held a Category 1 rating, meaning the country's civil aviation authority complied with all International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. With a Category 2 rating, Israeli air carriers will not be allowed to establish new service to the United States.

“The civil aviation authority of Israel is addressing the items identified, working with the FAA on an aggressive action plan to correct all areas of concern so that their safety oversight system fully complies with standards and practices, “ the FAA said in a statement.

A Category 2 rating may involve a country lacking laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with international standards, or that its civil aviation authority does not meet international standards in one or more areas such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping, or inspection procedures.