Tanzania provides clarity over air transport providers
"As concerns continue to be raised regarding the safety of air transport providers in Tanzania, I have sought some clarity" says Head of Tourism Marketing for Tanzania in the UK, Tim Henshall.
Inclusion on Air Safety List
On 3rd June 2025, Tanzanian-registered airlines were added to the European Union (EU) Air Safety List. And in July, The Civil Aviation Authority in the UK followed suit. It is important to note that this relates to flying in UK and European air space only, not Tanzania.
EU Criteria
The EU changed its criteria for the appraising of airlines by any specific country's own civil aviation authorities - in this case, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). "One can only assume that as Tanzania currently has no airlines flying to Europe, the additional requirement was not deemed a priority by TCAA and the changes were not immediately implemented" said, Henshall.
The Authority not the Airlines
It was for this reason Tanzania was added to the EU and UK lists, not the airlines themselves, who have been confirmed as flying to all necessary safety and technical requirements by TCAA. "I assure you (the trade) and the travelling public that The Tanzanian] Aviation industry is safe and will continue to be safe" stated Furaha Sanga, Chief Airworthiness Inspector at TCAA. Sanga also emphasised that Tanzania has very experienced operators who have made major investments to enhance safety for a very long time.
Impact on clients' travel insurance
There has been widespread concern that passengers' travel insurance might be impacted, but Alan Pattison, Managing Director of Travel Risk Professionals (a Atta official partner) confirmed that "No directive has been issued by insurance underwriters, so that clearly indicates all is well with them". So client travel insurance policies remain valid.
Impact on indemnity insurance
Shorter term solutions have been offered by various members of the Tanzania Air Operators Association (TAOA). Deepesh Gupta, Director of Sales at Auric Air added, " We have been adding international agents as 'additional insured' into our own insurance policy", whilst John Gorse, MD of Serengeti Balloon Safaris stated "Tour operators and agents can satisfy their professional indemnity insurers by conducting independent and internationally credible audits on their Tanzania aviation partners".
Both recommended direct dialogue between buyers and suppliers, with suitable solutions found due to a joint commitment.
The way forward
David Malanga, Director Economic Regulation (Air transport) at TCAA confirmed that they are working effectively and efficiently with both the EU and the UK to rectify the situation "I remain hopeful that after our meeting in early November, Tanzania will be removed from the list"
In the meantime, Tanzania remains a safe country for clients to fly within.
For further information, please contact : Furaha Yohanani Sanga, Chief Airworthiness Inspector, Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, +255759049731 / [email protected]
