Tanzania bans Kenya Airways flights effective January 22

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has suspended passenger flights by Kenya Airways (KQ) from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, effective January 22, 2024.

KQ currently operates 33 scheduled flights per week between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.

The TCAA's decision was "to reciprocate the decision by the aeronautical authorities of Kenya to refuse the Tanzania request for all cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania Company Limited under the Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights between Nairobi and Third countries".

Kenya's move was contrary to Section 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services, that the two countries signed on November 24, 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. This section specifically outlines the requirement for reciprocal treatment for airlines from both countries.

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TCAA Director-General Hamza Johari, in a public notice, explained further, saying, "This decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, following the refusal by the Kenyan authorities to grant approval for ATCL's cargo flights despite the clear provisions of the MoU."

Johari reiterated Tanzania's dedication to international aviation regulations and bilateral agreements, stating, "The United Republic of Tanzania shall always strive to adhere to the principles of the Chicago Convention 1944 and Bilateral Air Services Agreement between States."

In its response to the development, KQ issued a statement saying it was aware of the TCAA's public notice and was taking actions.

"Kenya Airways is engaging the civil aviation authorities and relevant government agencies in Kenya and Tanzania to find a solution that will ensure there are no flight disruptions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam," it said.

The sudden halt of the KQ flights is anticipated to have a significant impact on passengers traveling between the two countries.

This route is crucial for thousands of individuals, serving their business, tourism and family connection needs. Other airlines operate on the same route but the absence of KQ flights is expected to result in fewer options for travelers and increased airfares.