From CNN Assignment Editor Mike M. Ahlers

September 30, 1999
Web posted at: 1:37 a.m. EDT (0537 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- More than a third of the countries most frequently visited by American travelers have provided inadequate information about Y2K preparations, making it impossible to determine whether they are safe to fly in, according to new Department of Transportation documents.

The department released the information on a DOT Web site Wednesday night.

The DOT has long promised the information as guidance for international travelers. But visitors to the Web site must first read a lengthy disclaimer in which the department says it does not guarantee that the information is "complete, accurate or timely."

For 28 of the 89 countries for which information is available, the DOT says, "There is insufficient information available to estimate the overall status of Y2K preparations at this time."

The 28 countries are in the Caribbean and Central America (14), South America (5), Asia and Pacific (4), the former Soviet Union (3), Africa (1) and Europe (1).

The Web site, however, says, "A lack of Y2K readiness does not necessarily translate into safety problems."

The information is based largely on a survey conducted by the International Civilian Aviation Organization, or ICAO (pronounced Eye-KAY-oh). ICAO surveyed its 185 member countries earlier this year, with results due by July 1.

The aviation organization asked countries specifically for information about the three main components of their aviation systems -- the airlines, airports and air traffic control systems.

As of September 23, 34 countries still had not responded to the survey, Mead said. FAA officials said those countries are small countries with very limited scheduled air service.

Information about individual countries is available on the DOT Web site at the following address: www.dot.gov/fly2k.