EU Cites Safety Issues in Air Tanzania Ban
The European Union has barred Air Tanzania from flying to, from, or over its airspace, adding the carrier to its updated Air Safety List.
This ban follows an audit by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which flagged serious safety concerns.
“We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift and decisive action to address these safety issues,” stated Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. He emphasized the EU’s readiness to assist Tanzanian authorities in improving the airline’s compliance with international aviation standards. 
Impact on Air Tanzania’s Operations
While the ban has no immediate effect on the airline’s current network, government spokesperson Gerson Tsigwa revealed ongoing discussions about securing slots for flights to the EU.
“EU aviation experts are expected to visit Tanzania soon to complete the vetting process. This inspection will be a crucial step toward granting Air Tanzania the licence to operate in EU airspace,” Tsigwa remarked.
Air Tanzania currently operates three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners capable of flying to Europe. Presently, these aircraft serve routes from Dar es Salaam to Mumbai and Guangzhou, with one parked at Kilimanjaro International Airport since September 2024.
Broader Implications for Air Tanzania
The ban positions Air Tanzania among seven individually restricted airlines. Additionally, 100 carriers from 15 countries face bans due to oversight system concerns, alongside 22 Russian airlines restricted for safety and sanctions-related issues.
The EU’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to strict aviation safety protocols. It also highlights the challenges faced by carriers in navigating global regulatory standards.
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