Kenya Airways Faces Setback as Tanzania Suspends Passenger Flights to Dar es Salaam

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has taken retaliatory action by suspending all Kenya Airways (KQ) passenger flights connecting Nairobi and Dar es Salaam Starting January 22, 2024,

Kenya Airways operates 33 flights every week along this particular route. This action is sparked by Kenya's refusal to allow Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to conduct cargo flights between Nairobi and other countries. The TCAA has justified its decision by stating that Kenya's rejection violates Section 4 of the 2016 Air Services Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both countries. This section explicitly demands equitable treatment of airlines from both nations.

TCAA Director General Hamza S. Johari yesterday made a public declaration, explaining that Kenya's refusal to permit ATCL's cargo flights goes against the spirit of compromise. Johari emphasized Tanzania's commitment to international aviation regulations and agreements, highlighting its dedication to the Chicago Convention of 1944 and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between States. This route plays a vital role in trade, tourism, and maintaining family ties.

The lack of KQ flights will certainly lead to fewer options and potentially higher prices, even though other airlines fly the same route. The conflict between Tanzania and Kenya over air travel privileges has been developing for a few months. In August 2020, Tanzania temporarily banned KQ flights because Kenya did not include Tanzanians in the list of countries whose people could enter without facing quarantine measures.

The prohibition was eventually lifted, however, concerns persisted. The present state of affairs gives rise to apprehensions regarding the future of air transportation that connects the two nations. Tanzania and Kenya are confronted with the possibility of suffering economic setbacks due to this disruption, particularly in the tourism and business sectors.