Emerald Airlines

Emerald Airlines demonstrates a commitment to safety, having received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in September 2021 after successfully completing rigorous inspections, affirming its adherence to high safety standards and fitness-to-fly capability. As an Irish airline, it operates under the regulatory framework of the European Union, and there is no indication that Emerald Airlines is included on the EU Air Safety List, which bans airlines deemed unsafe from operating within EU airspace.

Recent safety record and any notable incidents:

While no fatal accidents have been reported, AeroInside lists several safety incidents involving Emerald Airlines' ATR 72 aircraft. These include:

• A nose gear damage incident at Belfast City Airport on December 30, 2023, during landing.
• A nosewheel collapse during landing at Belfast City Airport on December 22, 2024, due to strong winds, which resulted in the airport's closure and is currently under investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
• A dropped panel in flight from Belfast on June 8, 2025.
• A temporary runway excursion on landing at Donegal on February 4, 2023.
• A hard touch down at Liverpool on August 14, 2023.
• A partial electrical failure and control difficulties at Belfast on September 19, 2022.
• Cracked windshield incidents reported on May 31, 2022 (Dublin) and September 12, 2023 (enroute).

Regulatory certifications:

• Received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in September 2021.
• Operates under European Union (EU) safety regulations and is not on the EU Air Safety List.
• No specific mention of IOSA or FAA compliance in the search results, which is typical for a regional European carrier not operating to the US.

Fleet age and maintenance reputation:

• Emerald Airlines operates an all-ATR 72-600 fleet, with an average age of its ATR 42/72 aircraft being 10.4 years based on 11 aircraft. The total fleet size is 20 aircraft.
• The airline has a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with ATR, the aircraft manufacturer, which provides access to ATR's component spares pool and guarantees that aircraft components are maintained to the highest standards. This agreement underscores a commitment to robust maintenance practices.

Overall safety assessment based on available data:

Emerald Airlines has obtained the necessary regulatory certifications from Irish aviation authorities and operates within the stringent EU safety framework. While the airline has experienced several minor and moderate safety incidents reported by AeroInside, including a notable nose gear collapse, there have been no fatal accidents. The airline's commitment to safety is further evidenced by its 2023 Safety Award and its Global Maintenance Agreement with ATR, which ensures manufacturer-level maintenance standards for its fleet. Overall, based on the available data, Emerald Airlines maintains an acceptable safety record for a regional operator, with ongoing adherence to regulatory requirements and manufacturer-supported maintenance.

Safety awards or recognitions:

• Emerald Airlines was awarded the Safety Award and the Aviation Company of the Year Award at the Irish Aviation Awards in 2023.