By Getrude Matayo
The government of Tanzania has lifted the suspension for all Kenyan flights following the resolution of a new two-month long spat.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), it has lifted the suspension of all Kenyan operators including Kenya Airways, Fly 540Limited, SafariLink Aviation, and AirKenya Express Limited.
Johari said Tanzania shall always strive to adhere to the fundamental principles and bilateral air services between the two states.
On Tuesday, the Kenyan Government added Tanzania to the list of countries allowed in after easing restrictions. In the latest review of the countries whose travelers are exempted from the 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival, Tanzania is among the 147 nations.
“This is to confirm that the Government of the Republic of Kenya through a circular issued by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) on September 15th removed the requirement of 14 days mandatory quarantine for all arriving passengers from the United Republic of Tanzania” noted TCAA
Other countries that have been added to the list include Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. In August, Tanzania banned Kenya Airways from flying into the country, deepening the row between the two neighboring countries.
“The resumption and restoration of flights for all Kenyan operators is with immediate effect and the KCAA has been informed accordingly” part of the statement
The Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) said Kenya Airways flights were being banned “on a reciprocal basis”
Kenya’s decision to leave out Tanzania from its “safe-flights list” upon the resumption of international air travel on August 1st triggered the feud with Tanzania protesting the no-inclusion.
Tanzania has taken a controversially relaxed approach to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and began reopening the country two months ago.