Tanzania extends traffic rights to international airlines following EU ban on national carriers

TANZANIA – In response to the recent European Union ban on Tanzania-registered aircraft, the Tanzanian government has taken decisive steps to restore confidence among air travelers by extending temporary traffic rights to several international airlines.

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) announced a six-month extension of freedoms of the air to carriers including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways, aiming to maintain seamless connectivity to key Tanzanian destinations and safeguard tourism, business continuity, and international mobility.

The EU’s ban, which came into effect following a comprehensive safety assessment, prohibits all Tanzanian-registered air carriers from operating within European airspace due to identified shortcomings in regulatory oversight and operational safety.

These concerns include a shortage of qualified personnel and ineffective enforcement of flight operations and airworthiness standards.

While the ban affects Tanzanian-registered aircraft, it does not apply to foreign airlines operating within Tanzania, a distinction the TCAA has emphasized to reassure travelers.

Director-General Salim Msangi stated, “The TCAA has granted additional rights for a six-month period to KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways to support and facilitate local and regional connections to major Tanzanian destinations.”

This move is designed to mitigate travel disruptions by enabling these international carriers to expand their services and fill the gap left by restricted Tanzanian airlines.

To further minimize the impact on the aviation and tourism sectors, the TCAA has introduced regulatory flexibility allowing Tanzanian carriers to enter codeshare and block permit arrangements with foreign airlines.

These cooperative agreements aim to preserve vital domestic and regional air links while diplomatic efforts continue with the European Union to address safety concerns and seek removal from the EU Air Safety List.

The authority also urged travelers not to cancel plans, emphasizing that Tanzania remains open and accessible, with aviation operations continuing under international safety and regulatory standards.

The government is actively engaging stakeholders across the aviation and tourism industries to coordinate a unified response and maintain market confidence.

This proactive approach highlights Tanzania’s commitment to overcoming current challenges, ensuring uninterrupted air travel, and supporting the country’s vital tourism and business sectors during this transitional period.

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