Air Tanzania banned from flying in European Union airspace over safety concerns
By Mwangi Maina |
The decision was made following serious safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
The European Union (EU) has blacklisted Air Tanzania, banning it from operating in EU airspace due to concerns over the airline’s inadequate safety practices.
While the Tanzanian national carrier does not currently fly to Europe, it has been pursuing permissions to launch new routes to the continent.
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The decision was made following serious safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), leading to Air Tanzania’s addition to the EU Air Safety List — a roster of over 100 airlines banned from operating in EU airspace due to safety deficiencies or insufficient regulatory oversight.
In a letter, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasised the EU’s commitment to passenger safety.
“The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for passengers in Europe and worldwide. We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift and decisive action to address these safety issues,” Tzitzikostas said.
The EU’s decision came after Air Tanzania was denied Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation, a mandatory requirement for foreign airlines seeking to operate in EU airspace.
Tanzania’s government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa noted that discussions are ongoing with the EU as Air Tanzania continues its efforts to secure slots at undisclosed European airports.
“EU aviation experts are expected to visit Tanzania soon to complete the vetting process. This inspection will be a crucial step toward granting Air Tanzania the licence to operate in EU airspace,” Msigwa said.
Currently, 129 airlines are banned from the EU. These include 100 airlines certified in 15 countries — such as Afghanistan, Libya, and Sudan — due to inadequate safety oversight by their aviation authorities.
The remaining 29 airlines are excluded for safety deficiencies, including 22 Russian carriers and seven others. These are Air Zimbabwe, Avior Airlines, Blue Wing Airlines, Iran Aseman Airlines, Fly Baghdad, Iraqi Airways, and Air Tanzania. Additionally, Iran Air and North Korea’s Air Koryo face restrictions, only permitted to fly specific aircraft types.
Air Tanzania operates one of Africa’s most modern fleets, consisting of Airbus, Boeing, and De Havilland Canada Dash 8 models.
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