In retaliation to Kenya's refusal to grant cargo flight operations to Air Tanzania, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority has made a decisive move to revoke approvals for Kenya Airways (KQ) to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.

The decision communicated via a public notice on Monday, effective from 22 January 2024, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing aviation dispute between the two East African nations.

"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," the notice read.

The Tanzanian authorities took this action in response to the rejection of their request by the Republic of Kenya, denying Air Tanzania Company Limited the opportunity for all-cargo flight operations under Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights between Nairobi and third countries.

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This decision goes against the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services, signed on 24 November 2016, between Tanzania and Kenya in Nairobi.

The Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority emphasized its commitment to upholding the principles of the Chicago Convention 1944 and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between States, underlining the importance of maintaining international aviation standards.

Effective from the specified date, Kenya Airways will cease all passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, impacting the travel plans of many individuals and raising concerns within the aviation industry about the broader implications of this diplomatic tit-for-tat.

While both countries have historically shared strong economic and diplomatic ties, this recent development underscores the fragility of relations in the highly regulated aviation sector.

Analysts predict potential disruptions in trade and tourism between the two nations as a result of the escalating dispute.

The decision by Tanzania to withdraw approvals for Kenya Airways is expected to have reverberations within the East African Community, as regional cooperation in the aviation industry faces a testing period.

It reflects the growing tensions between Tanzania and Kenya, highlighting the need for diplomatic solutions to ensure continued stability and collaboration between the neighbouring nations.

As the aviation community observes these developments, questions arise about the potential resolution of this dispute and the impact it may have on the broader East African region.

The decision by Tanzania to revoke Kenya Airways' flight approvals sets the stage for a complex diplomatic dance in the skies, with the hope that negotiations will prevail and restore equilibrium to the region's aviation landscape.