Kenya Airways says working to avoid disruptions after Tanzania suspended airline’s flights

Kenya Airways (KQ) says it is working to ensure there are no flight disruptions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam after Tanzania on Monday suspended all KQ flights into its capital.

Kenya’s southern neighbour announced the suspension of all KQ flights beginning January 22, citing a reciprocity dispute after Kenya refused a request for all-cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania.

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority termed Kenya's refusal as a breach of Section 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services between the two countries signed on November 24, 2016, in Nairobi.

Subsequently, KQ issued a statement on Monday evening saying it was engaging civil aviation authorities and relevant government agencies in Kenya and Tanzania to find a solution to the matter.

“Kenya Airways is aware of the Public Notice issued by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority on 15' January 2024, rescinding the approvals of KQ to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam effective 22nd January 2024,” said the national carrier.

“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.”

Tanzania’s suspension is expected to have a significant impact on Kenya Airways which operates many flights per week to and from Tanzania as thousands travel between the two countries.