Mudavadi intervenes after KQ flights to Dar were suspended.

Prime Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and his Tanzanian counterpart January Makamba have committed to resolving the standoff that led to the suspension of Kenya Airways’ flight from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam.

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority suspended the operation of flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in a notice that stated the ban would take effect on January 22.

Mudavadi said he has spoken to Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Makamba and agreed to resolve the matter.

“I have this evening spoken to January Makamba (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, about 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,” said in his X page.

“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.”

Makamba said that they have agreed that restricting travel between the two countries is not the desired outcome.

“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 three days.”

Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority Director General Hamza Johari in a notice earlier said that the flights have been banned under Third and Fourth Freedom Traffic Rights with effect from January 22, 2024.

The Tanzanian CAA DG said the decision was arrived at after Kenya aeronautical authorities refused Tanzania’s request for all-cargo flight operations by Air Tanzania Company Limited.

Kenya Airways has said it is working with agencies in Tanzania to ensure there will be no flight disruption.

“Kenya Airways (KQ) is aware of the Public Notice issued by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority on January 15, 2024, rescinding the approvals of KQ to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam effective 22nd January 2024,” the statement read.

“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.”

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