Air Tanzania, the national carrier of Tanzania, has been banned from operating in European airspace following its inclusion on the EU Air Safety List.
This development, announced by the European Commission on December 16, 2024, has dealt a severe blow to the airline’s international operations and reputation.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) identified significant safety concerns that led to the denial of Air Tanzania’s application for a Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization.
While the Commission did not provide specific details about the safety violations, industry experts speculate that Air Tanzania may have flown its Airbus A220 aircraft beyond its scheduled major checks, thereby breaching airworthiness directives.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, emphasized the importance of passenger safety, stating, “The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for passengers in Europe and worldwide.”
He urged the airline to address these issues promptly and offered assistance to Tanzanian authorities in enhancing aviation safety standards.
Impact on Air Tanzania’s Operations
The ban has far-reaching consequences for Air Tanzania, which operates a modern fleet including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 737 Max jets, and Airbus A220s. The airline had been flying the B787 Dreamliner to European destinations such as Frankfurt in Germany and Athens in Greece, with plans to add London to its network using the A220. However, the EU ban has halted these ambitions and has already led to some regional and continental airports, including Kigali, locking out Air Tanzania flights.
What Is the EU Air Safety List?
The EU Air Safety List is updated periodically to ensure passenger safety by banning airlines that fail to meet international aviation standards. Following the latest review by aviation safety experts in November 2024, the list now includes 129 airlines. Of these, 100 are based in 15 states with insufficient aviation oversight, while 29, including Air Tanzania, face bans due to individual safety deficiencies.
Other airlines added to the list in this revision include Air Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), Avior Airlines (Venezuela), and Iran Aseman Airlines (Iran). “Our priority remains the safety of every traveler who relies on air transport,” said Tzitzikostas. “We urge all affected airlines to take these bans seriously and work collaboratively to resolve the identified issues.”
Path Forward for Air Tanzania
The European Commission noted that Air Tanzania could continue exercising traffic rights by using wet-leased aircraft from carriers not subject to a ban, provided they meet safety standards. A wet lease arrangement includes the provision of aircraft, crew, fuel, and insurance by the leasing company for a fee. While this offers a temporary solution, it underscores the urgency for Air Tanzania to address its safety deficiencies.
To regain access to European airspace, Air Tanzania must implement comprehensive reforms to align with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This will require collaboration between the airline and Tanzanian aviation authorities to improve oversight and safety compliance.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for airlines banned from the EU Air Safety List. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recently regained access to European airspace after a four-year suspension. The ban, imposed in 2020, was lifted following substantial improvements in safety performance by PIA and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
“This demonstrates that safety issues can be resolved through determination and cooperation,” said Tzitzikostas, highlighting that PIA’s achievement serves as a model for other airlines.
For Air Tanzania, inclusion on the EU Air Safety List signals an urgent need for reform within Tanzania’s aviation sector. Addressing these safety issues is not only crucial for regaining access to European markets but also for restoring passenger confidence globally. Immediate and sustained efforts will be required to rectify these deficiencies and align with global aviation standards. This decisive moment will define Air Tanzania’s future in international aviation.
