By THE OBSERVER UG
Tanzania has revoked approval for Kenya Airways to operate flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, citing retaliation for Kenya’s refusal to grant rights to Tanzania’s Air Tanzania for cargo flights between the two nations. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority announced the decision, effective from January 22, 2024, in response to what it perceives as Kenya’s violation of a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding on air services.
In a statement, Kenya Airways acknowledged the ban and expressed its commitment to engaging with aviation authorities in both countries to find a solution that avoids disruptions on the Nairobi-Dar es Salaam route. As one of Africa’s major airlines, Kenya Airways plays a crucial role in the region’s aviation landscape.
Tanzania, known for its natural attractions, draws over a million tourists annually, making it a significant market for Kenya Airways. The escalating dispute adds to a series of trade and commercial conflicts within the East African Community, a regional bloc operating a customs union. Kenya has previously raised concerns about cheap products from Uganda, imposing restrictions on items like milk and sugar, leading to protests from Kampala. Additionally, landlocked Uganda has taken Kenya to a regional court over a dispute related to the importation of petroleum products.
Despite being a relatively small airline, Air Tanzania has been expanding its fleet, routes, and operations in recent years, aiming to capture a larger share of the region’s aviation business revenues. The clash between Tanzania and Kenya underscores the complex dynamics within the East African Community and the challenges of managing trade relations among its member states.
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