Kenya grants Air Tanzania Cargo 5th Freedom rights diffusing tensions

January 16, 2024 in Business, Companies, Trade & Industry, Travel & Tourism by Editor

In a rare display of diplomatic finesse, Kenya has given Tanzanian flag carrier Air Tanzania 5th Freedom Rights for all-cargo services,  effective immediately, ending a potentially damaging row between the two neighbours. The apparent capitulation ends a tense 24 hours as the travelling public stared at  the spectre of significant disruption and Kenya Airways deep losses at a delicate point in its financial recovery efforts.

In a public notice released a couple of hours ago, Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority Director General Hamza Jowari says in return, Tanzania had also withdrawn the January 15 decision to suspend Kenya Airways passenger services between Nairobi and Dares Salaam. TCAA had given notice that Kenya Airways would not be allowed its weekly schedule of 33 flights into Dar es Salaam, starting January 22.

“This is to inform the Public that the aeronautical authorities of the Republic of Kenya have granted the Fifth Freedom Traffic Right to Air Tanzania Company Limited for  all-cargo service as per the request of the United Republic of Tanzania, with effect from 16 January 2024.

Following this development , the aeronautical authorities of the United Republic of Tanzania hereby withdraw its Decision of 15 January 2024 and therefore approval for Kenya Airways to operate Third and Fourth Freedom Traffic Rights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, is hereby restored with immediate effect.

The aeronautical authorities of the United Republic of Tanzania avail itself of this opportunity to renew to the Public the assurances of its highest consideration,” the statement issued by Johari reads.