By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Xinhua
Published on 2024-01-17 15:37:57
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has reversed its decision to ban Kenya Airways flights to Dar es Salaam, allowing the flights to resume from January 22. This decision comes after Kenya agreed to meet Tanzania’s demands.
The TCAA had initially announced on January 15 that it would suspend all Kenya Airways passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam starting from January 22. The decision was made in response to Kenya’s refusal to allow Tanzania’s airline, Air Tanzania Company Limited, to conduct cargo flights between Nairobi and third countries. However, Kenya later granted permission for all-cargo services under Tanzania’s request, leading to the lifting of the ban.
Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba, revealed that he had spoken to his Kenyan counterpart and they had agreed that restrictions on air travel between the two countries and from either country to a third country should not be in place. As a result, the issue has been resolved in line with existing agreements between the two countries within three days.
The TCAA released a statement confirming the lifting of the ban and the restoration of approval for Kenya Airways to operate flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. This move signifies a resolution to the recent tensions between the two neighboring countries over air travel restrictions.
The decision is expected to ease travel between Kenya and Tanzania and promote stronger bilateral ties. With the ban lifted, travelers can expect improved connectivity and smoother air travel between the two nations. This development is a positive step towards enhancing regional cooperation and fostering economic integration in East Africa.
Overall, the lifting of the ban reflects the commitment of both countries to address issues diplomatically and reach mutually beneficial solutions. It demonstrates the willingness of Kenya and Tanzania to prioritize collaboration and communication in resolving disputes in the aviation sector.