- The EU Air Safety List update affects Tanzanian-certified carriers’ access to EU airspace; however, since no such carriers currently operate flights to or over the EU, domestic, regional, and non-EU international operations remain fully operational and unaffected.
- The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) extended temporary traffic rights to Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways and enabled local operators to codeshare or use block permit agreements with international carriers, ensuring uninterrupted service continuity and regional connectivity.
- TCAA reaffirmed its aviation safety credentials by referencing the 67.3% score in the ICAO USOAP-CMA audit—above the global average—demonstrating continued adherence to ICAO-compliant safety oversight systems.
- AOC holders have been urged to form codeshare or block permit partnerships with unaffected international airlines to maintain market access. Wet lease arrangements using Tanzanian AOCs are not permissible as a workaround to the EU listing.
- TCAA and the Ministry of Transport are actively engaging with the EU Air Safety Committee to address concerns and restore eligibility for Tanzanian carriers. Industry stakeholders, including the Tanzania Aviation Operator’s Association (TAOA), are also part of the collaborative resolution efforts.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has moved swiftly to manage the implications of the European Commission’s updated EU Air Safety List, issued on 4 June 2025, which included air carriers certified in Tanzania. While the listing prohibits Tanzanian-certified airlines from operating within EU airspace—including overflights—the decision does not impact current operations, as no Tanzanian carriers currently operate flights to the EU.
In a notice issued on 7 June, the TCAA clarified that domestic, regional, and non-EU international operations remain unaffected. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety, referencing Tanzania’s performance in the most recent ICAO USOAP-CMA audit, where the country scored 67.3%—above the global average for effective implementation of aviation safety oversight systems. TCAA emphasised that it will continue to ensure compliance with the safety standards set out in the Tanzania Civil Aviation Regulations, which are aligned with ICAO Annexes.
To maintain international connectivity and protect the aviation sector’s contribution to tourism and business, the TCAA announced a series of immediate measures in a public notice dated 18 June. These include the temporary extension of traffic rights to Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways for six months, allowing enhanced regional and international access to key Tanzanian destinations. Local operators have also been granted clearance to enter into codeshare or block permit agreements with foreign airlines, enabling continued service without operational disruption.
Importantly, the TCAA reiterated that airlines not certified in Tanzania are unaffected by the EU decision and continue to operate in and out of the country. Travellers were urged not to cancel bookings or alter travel plans based on the EU announcement, with the aviation regulator assuring the public that all flights remain safe and in full regulatory compliance.
In a follow-up letter to all Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders dated 19 June, the TCAA encouraged Tanzanian airlines to pursue strategic partnerships with international carriers that fall outside the scope of the EU restrictions. These partnerships—specifically through codeshare or block permit arrangements—are recognised under international air transport frameworks and offer a practical solution for maintaining route access. The Authority, however, noted that wet lease agreements using the same Tanzanian AOC would not be permitted as a means to bypass the ban.
The TCAA also confirmed its ongoing dialogue with the European Union to address the identified safety concerns. Coordination with the Tanzania Aviation Operator’s Association (TAOA) and other stakeholders is already underway to rectify the findings and seek the eventual removal of Tanzanian carriers from the EU Air Safety List.
Through these actions, Tanzania is taking a structured and proactive approach to safeguarding international aviation links while working towards full regulatory resolution.
