Kenya Airways has received the green light to resume flights in Tanzanian airspace, as the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority retracted its earlier suspension just hours after issuing it in a reciprocal move.
The ban, initially set to take effect from January 22, was lifted following Kenya’s compliance with Tanzania’s demands.
In a statement by Hamza Johari, the Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, it was revealed that Kenya had granted the Fifth Freedom Traffic Right to Air Tanzania Company Limited for all-cargo service, aligning with the United Republic of Tanzania’s request. The approval is effective from January 16, 2024.
The dispute arose when Tanzania blocked Kenya Airways from flying to Dar, citing a reciprocity disagreement after Kenya rejected a similar request for all-cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania Company Limited. With Kenya’s concession, the Tanzanian authorities withdrew their decision, restoring approval for Kenya Airways to operate Third and Fourth Freedom Traffic Rights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam immediately.
After the ban, Kenya and Tanzania announced a commitment to resolving the issue.
Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign Affairs, and Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba, indicated that discussions had taken place to address the matter.
Mudavadi emphasized the collaborative efforts of their Civil Aviation Authorities to amicably resolve the dispute within the next three days, reassuring the public that there was no cause for alarm. Makamba echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the resolution of the issue in accordance with existing agreements within the stipulated timeframe.
