The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will not extend the exemptions it issued for the transport of cargo in passenger cabins in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

Since 2020, the agency has issued approvals and exemptions for the transport of cargo in passenger cabins on a case-by-case basis. These were time-limited until 31 July, 2022.

Following a review of the operational context for transport of cargo in passenger cabins, EASA has concluded that the logistical challenges that arose in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 crisis no longer exist to the same extent.

EASA stated: “In accordance with the Issue 6.0 of the Guidelines for Transport of Cargo in Passenger Compartments, the Agency has therefore determined that the exemptions delivered in this context will not be extended beyond the current validity of 31 July, 2022. The same applies for existing approvals that have been granted based on the use of the Deviation on transportation of cargo in passenger compartments.

“This Deviation can also not be applied to any certification projects for which the approval is issued after that date.”