Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has been added to the European Union’s Air Safety List, effectively barring the national carrier from operating within EU airspace. This inclusion comes despite the airline not currently flying any routes to the European Union Zone.
The EU Air Safety List, a roster of airlines that fail to meet the necessary international safety standards, imposes either severe operational restrictions or outright bans on carriers. According to a statement issued on Friday, December 13, 2024, Air Tanzania’s addition stems from safety issues identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The statement further reveals that the EU refused to grant Air Tanzania the Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation—a prerequisite for all foreign airlines seeking access to EU airspace.
Government Responds to Ban
Tanzania’s chief government spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, addressed the issue, confirming that Air Tanzania is currently in talks with EU authorities to secure landing slots in the region.
“It is a process that takes time,” Msigwa noted, clarifying that the national carrier does not yet operate routes into Europe. However, he added that significant efforts are underway to obtain the required licensing and comply with EU aviation safety regulations.
“EU aviation experts are expected to visit Tanzania soon to complete the vetting process. This inspection will be a crucial step toward granting Air Tanzania the license to operate in EU airspace,” he said.
EU Aviation Safety Standards
The European Commission’s decision underscores the bloc’s commitment to ensuring that only airlines adhering to strict safety standards, as set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), are allowed access to EU airspace.
The Air Safety List is regularly updated following comprehensive reviews conducted by Member State aviation safety experts. The most recent review, held in Brussels from November 19 to 21, 2024, under the supervision of the EU Air Safety Committee, led to Air Tanzania’s inclusion. The unanimous decision was supported by the European Parliament’s Transport Committee.
The addition of Air Tanzania brings the total number of airlines banned from EU skies to 129. Alongside ATCL, carriers from countries such as Russia, Venezuela, Iran, Zimbabwe, Iraq, and North Korea remain on the list due to severe safety deficiencies.
While some airlines, such as Iran Air and Air Koryo, are subject to operational restrictions limiting them to specific aircraft types, others face full bans.
A Setback for Air Tanzania
Air Tanzania’s inclusion on the EU Air Safety List is a significant blow to its aspirations of accessing the lucrative European market. Reentering EU skies will require the airline, alongside Tanzania’s aviation authorities, to implement substantial improvements and meet the rigorous safety expectations set by international regulators.
The EU’s decision highlights a broader trend of holding airlines accountable for lapses in safety standards. While the path forward remains challenging, Tanzania’s national carrier has signalled its determination to address the concerns, with EU vetting expected to provide clarity in the coming months.
For now, the ban serves as a stark reminder of the stringent oversight governing international air travel and the importance of compliance with global safety standards.
