The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) on Monday announced the suspension of Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.

In a statement, the authority's Director General Hamza S Johari announced that the move which comes in response to Kenya's denial of Tanzania's request for cargo flights by its carrier, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), kicks off effective January 22, 2024.

According to Johari, the action depicted by Kenya is against the MoU signed by the two East African countries in 2016.

"Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, on behalf of the aeronautical authorities of the United Republic of Tanzania has decided to rescind the approvals for Ken ya Airways (KQ) to operate passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam under Third and Forth Freedom Traffic Rights with effect from 22 January 2024.

"This decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, following the refusal by the Kenyan authorities to grant approval for ATCL's cargo flights despite the clear provisions of the MoU," Johari stated.

Johari also reiterated that despite the reciprocity between the two countries, Tanzania will strive to adhere to international aviation regulations.

"The United Republic of Tanzania shall always strive to adhere to the principles of Chicago Convention 1944 and Bilateral Air Services Agreement between States," he added.

With the suspension, Kenya Airways will be forced to suspend 33 weekly scheduled flights between the two destinations.