The Tanzanian Civil Authority has revoked the approvals granting Kenya Airways rights to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam under Third and Forth Freedom Traffic Rights with effect from 22 January 2024.
According to a notice signed by the Director General, Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority, HAMZAS. JOHARI, the decision followed Kenya Civil Aviation Authority’s refusal to grant the request of Tanzanian all-cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania Company Limited under Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights between Nairobi and Third countries contrary to Section 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services, between Tanzania and Kenya signed on 24 November 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya.
He stated that following the decision, there shall be no passenger flights by Kenya Airways between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam from 22 January 2024.
He said: “Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, on behalf of the aeronautical authorities of the United Republic of Tanzania, has decided to rescind the approvals for Kenya Airways (KQ) to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam under Third and Forth Freedom Traffic Rights with effect from 22 January 2024. This is to reciprocate the decision by the aeronautical authorities of the Republic of Kenya to refuse the Tanzanian request for all-cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania Company Limited under Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights between Nairobi and Third countries, contrary to Section 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services, between Tanzania and Kenya signed on 24 November 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya.
“Following this Decision, there shall be no passenger flights by KQ between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam from 22 January 2024. The United Republic of Tanzania shall always strive to adhere to the principles of Chicago Convention 1944 and Bilateral Air Services Agreement between States.” he said.
In a swift reaction, Kenya Airways said it is engaging the Civil Aviation Authorities and relevant government agencies in Kenya and Tanzania to find a solution that will ensure there are no flight disruptions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
The airline in a statement said: “Kenya Airways (KQ) is aware of the Public Notice issued by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority on 15th January 2024, rescinding the approvals of KQ to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es salaam effective 22d January 2024.
“Kenya Airways is engaging the Civil Aviation Authorities and relevant government agencies in Kenya and Tanzania to find a solution that will ensure there are no flight disruptions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam”.
