President William Ruto's administration has instituted immediate measures to avert a full-blown diplomatic row with Tanzania following the order stopping Kenya Airways plane from flying to Dar es Salaam.
Immediately after the embargo was placed on Kenya Airways planes on Monday, January 15, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi contacted the Tanzanian authorities to iron out the issue.
Tanzania's Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Makamba confirmed speaking with Mudavadi announcing that they both resolved to address the issue within three days.
“I have this evening spoken to January Makamba (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, with regard to the decision of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to rescind the approvals for Kenya Airways to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam with effect from 22nd January 2024,” Mudavadi's statement read in part.
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”We have jointly agreed that our respective Civil Aviation Authorities will work together to have the matter resolved amicably within the next three days. There should therefore be no cause for alarm.”
On his part, Makamba wrote, "I spoke to my Kenyan colleague Musalia Mudavadi. We agree that restrictions of air travel between our countries and from any of our country to a third country shouldn’t stand. With relevant authorities, we’ve resolved to settle this issue, per existing agreements, within 3 days.”
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also engaged his Tanzanian counterpart vowing to address the standoff to resume flight operations.
Kenya Airways management had earlier promised to engage with President Samia Suluhu-led nation to address the issue that led to the ban.
“Kenya Airways (KQ) is aware of the Public Notice issued by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority on 15' January 2024, rescinding the approvals of KQ to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam effective 22nd January 2024,” said the national carrier in a statement.
“Kenya Airways is engaging the Civil Aviation Authorities and relevant government agencies in Kenya and Tanzania to find a solution that will ensure there are no flight disruptions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.”
The row came after Kenya refused a request for all-cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority termed Kenya's refusal as a breach of Section 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services between the two countries signed on November 24, 2016, in Nairobi.
Following the dispute, Tanzania announced the suspension of Kenya Airways passenger flights starting January 22.
