This move is seen as a response to Kenya’s refusal to allow Tanzania’s airline, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), to operate cargo flights between Nairobi and third countries.

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) cited this rejection as a violation of the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Air Services, specifically Section 4, which outlines reciprocal treatment for airlines.

TCAA Director General Hamza S. Johari stated that the decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, emphasizing Tanzania’s commitment to international aviation regulations and bilateral agreements.

This suspension follows a brief ban on Kenya Airways flights by Tanzania in August 2020 after Tanzanians were excluded from Kenya’s list of countries exempt from Covid-19 quarantine restrictions.