Tanzanian airlines are poised to resume flights to Europe, marking a significant step forward for the nation's aviation industry. This anticipated return follows concerted efforts by Tanzanian aviation authorities to align with the stringent regulations and standards set by the European Union (EU).
Air Tanzania Spearheading the Comeback
Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), the national carrier, is expected to be at the forefront of this renewed connection with Europe. The resumption of flights is predicted to have a positive impact on Tanzania's trade and tourism sectors, fostering economic growth and strengthening international relationships.
Addressing Regulatory Harmonization
According to Abdul Mombokaleo, Director General of the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), the EU's previous ban on Tanzanian airlines stemmed not from concerns over the condition of the aircraft themselves – many of which are relatively new – but rather from issues related to regulatory harmonization.
"We have been actively collaborating with our European counterparts to address these discrepancies and are making considerable progress," Mr. Mombokaleo stated. He emphasized that air traffic regulations vary from country to country and region to region, necessitating compliance to ensure safe operations within each airspace. These differences take into account a range of factors, including variations in weather patterns, climate conditions, and altitude.
Continued International Operations
Despite the restrictions imposed by the EU ban, ATCL has maintained its international presence by operating both cargo and passenger flights to various destinations. These include countries in Asia, such as China and India, as well as African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia. Plans are also underway to include Lagos, Nigeria, in its network.
The EU Air Safety List: A Closer Look
In June 2025, the European Commission released an updated version of the European Union Air Safety List. This list identifies airlines that are either banned from operating within the EU or are subject to operational restrictions due to safety concerns. The updated list included a total of 169 airlines.
Following assessments conducted by EU aviation safety experts, all air carriers certified in both Tanzania and Suriname were added to the list. The experts cited serious safety concerns that warranted the inclusion of these countries' airlines.
Specific Shortcomings Identified
The European Commission highlighted several shortcomings in both Tanzania and Suriname, spanning both operational and regulatory aspects. These included:
- A shortage of qualified personnel within the aviation sector.
- Ineffective oversight processes related to flight operations and airworthiness.
- Non-compliance with international safety standards by both civil aviation authorities and certified carriers.
The EU's Assessment Process
The EU Air Safety List is compiled based on the unanimous consensus of aviation safety experts from EU Member States. These experts convene under the auspices of the EU Air Safety Committee, which is chaired by the European Commission and receives support from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Current Composition of the EU Air Safety List
The list currently includes 142 airlines from 17 different states. These include countries such as Afghanistan, Angola (with the exception of two carriers), Congo-Brazzaville, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with Tanzania, all cited for inadequate safety oversight.
In addition, the list encompasses 22 airlines certified in Russia, as well as five individual carriers, including Air Zimbabwe and Fly Baghdad. Two other carriers, Iran Air and North Korea’s Air Koryo, are subject to partial restrictions, limiting their flights to the EU to specific aircraft types.
Tanzania's Response to the Ban
In the wake of the EU ban, Tanzania took immediate steps to mitigate its impact. The government temporarily extended traffic rights for six months to international airlines, ensuring the continued flow of tourism and business travel despite the grounding of its own carriers.
Calls for Diplomatic Resolution
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has strongly advocated for the government to employ diplomatic channels to resolve the issue. TATO Chairperson Willy Chambulo suggested that the ban was more akin to "business warfare" than a genuine reflection of safety concerns.
Mr. Chambulo emphasized that ATCL operates one of the most modern fleets in Africa, comprising Airbus A220s, Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, and Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.
"With such a modern fleet, the government must vigorously challenge this ban through diplomatic avenues, including engaging the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC)," Mr. Chambulo asserted.
TATO has further urged the government to demand complete transparency from EASA regarding the technical justifications for the ban and to raise the matter with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
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