Tanzania authorities have allowed Kenya Airways to continue its flight operations between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) withdrew the decision to rescind KQ flights to Dar es Salaam.
In a statement seen by News 9 Kenya on Tuesday, January 16, TCAA noted that the flight freedom have been restored with immediate effect.
Why Tanzania removed Kenya Airways flight restrictions
This came after Kenyan authorities gave Air Tanzania cargo back its fifth operation freedom.
“The aeronautical authorities of the Republic of Kenya have granted the fifth freedom traffic right to Air Tanzania for all cargo services, as per the request of the government of Tanzania.
“Following this development, we hereby withdraw the decision made on Monday, January 15, revoking KQ operations and allow third and fourth freedom traffic rights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam with immediate effect,” said TCAA.
Turns out less than 3 days was required to resolve the Kenya-Tanzania aviation reciprocity tantrum.
Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority says its Kenyan counterpart has granted 5th freedom traffic rights to Air Tanzania for all cargo service.
Tanzania has withdrawn its decision… https://t.co/PntoU02TUB pic.twitter.com/NC4oBJEmEX
— Julians Amboko (@AmbokoJH) January 16, 2024
The government of President Samia Suluhu called for the suspension of all KQ flights to the Capital City of Dar es Salaam following Kenya’s deliberate decline request for all cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania.
They expressed Kenya’s unwillingness as a breach of Section 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services between them and Kenya.
What Kenya Airways said
KQ assured passengers that flights would not be disrupted since they are doing all it takes to go back to concurrence with the neighbouring country.
The airline engaged with civil aviation authorities and relevant government agencies in Kenya and Tanzania to reach the best solution.
“Kenya Airways are aware of the Public Notice issued by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority on 15′ January 2024, rescinding the approvals of KQ to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam effective 22nd January 2024.
Engagements with the Civil Aviation Authorities and government relevant agencies in Kenya and Tanzania are underway to find a solution that will ensure that there are no flight disruptions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam,” the national carrier stated.
