Kenya and Tanzania have initiated discussions to resolve an escalating dispute involving their airlines, with a mutual agreement reached to address the issue within the next three days. The conflict emerged when Tanzania announced the suspension of all Kenya Airways (KQ) passenger flights from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, effective January 22, 2024, in response to Kenya’s denial of cargo flight operations for Air Tanzania.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) clarified that Kenya’s decision contradicted Section 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services signed between the two nations in 2016. Consequently, Tanzania rescinded approvals for Kenya Airways to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, engaged with Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, January Makamba, through social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Both officials affirmed their commitment to resolving the matter amicably within the next three days.
Kenya Airways, in response to the developments, released a statement acknowledging the situation and expressing its commitment to engage with civil aviation authorities and relevant government agencies in both Kenya and Tanzania. The airline aims to find a solution that prevents disruptions to flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
This isn’t the first time Tanzania has suspended Kenya Airways from flying into the country, revealing a deeper-seated dispute between the neighboring nations. The recent conflict adds to regional tensions within the East African community, exemplified by Uganda filing a lawsuit against Kenya over petroleum product imports. Additionally, Burundi severed relations with Rwanda, closing its border over accusations of Rwandan support for Burundian rebels.
