Indonesian airlines allowed back into EU

JAKARTA, July 15 (UPI) -- European Union officials say four Indonesian airlines that had been banned from its airspace can now return.

Garuda Indonesia Airlines, Mandala, Airfast, and Premiair will be allowed to fly to European destinations after an 18-month absence, during which EU authorities worked with the airlines and the Indonesia Civil Aviation Authority, CNN reported Wednesday.

A series of 2007 air accidents prompted the ban, CNN said.

"We appreciate the passion, trust and technical cooperation which has already been shown," Indonesian Transportation Minister Djusman Safei Djamal said.

"European countries have never been major contributor to our profit, but we are pleased to hear the news as we're planning to expand our coverage in Europe," Emirsyah Satar, director of Garuda Indonesia, told CNN.