TANZANIA announced on Tuesday the restoration of approval for Kenya Airways to operate flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, effectively lifting the ban imposed in a tit-for-tat move on Monday. The diplomatic spat arose when Kenya refused Tanzania’s request for cargo flights by its national carrier, Air Tanzania, prompting the reciprocal ban.
In an official statement, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority declared, ‘Following this development, the aeronautical authorities of the United Republic of Tanzania hereby withdraw its decision of 15 January 2024, and therefore approval for Kenya Airways to operate between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam is hereby restored.’
The decision reflects Tanzania’s willingness to resolve the dispute and maintain open air travel between the two East African nations. Tanzania has been actively investing in revitalizing its national carrier since 2016, focusing on fleet expansion, new routes, and increased operational capacity to tap into local and regional markets.
Kenya Airways, as one of Africa’s largest airlines, plays a crucial role in the region’s air transport. Tanzania, known for its natural attractions, including mountains and vast wildlife reserves attracting over a million tourists annually, represents a significant market for Kenya Airways.
The reinstatement of flights signifies a positive step in diplomatic relations and regional cooperation, emphasizing the economic and tourism ties between Kenya and Tanzania. The incident highlights the strategic importance of maintaining stable air connectivity for both countries.