The European Union has banned Air Tanzania from operating within its airspace. This decision stems from concerns regarding both the regulatory oversig
The European Union has banned Air Tanzania from operating within its airspace. This decision stems from concerns regarding both the regulatory oversight of Tanzania’s aviation sector and Air Tanzania’s adherence to international aviation safety protocols.
The EU Air Safety List, or the “blacklist,” is a regulatory mechanism used by the EU to; identify airlines that fail to meet international safety standards, particularly those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), restrict or ban such airlines from operating within EU airspace to protect passenger safety, and encourage airlines and their national aviation authorities to improve safety standards through reform.
If a country’s aviation authority is unable to enforce adequate safety standards, all airlines from that country risk being banned. Airlines with unresolved safety issues, including maintenance lapses or poor accident records, can be individually targeted. Findings from ICAO safety audits heavily influence EU decisions. Before banning, the EU often provides opportunities for airlines and countries to rectify issues.
Regulatory oversight
The EU’s decision to ban Air Tanzania centers on weak regulatory oversight by Tanzania’s civil aviation authority, which is responsible for enforcing compliance with safety standards and operational safety concerns specific to Air Tanzania. The airline’s inclusion on the blacklist signals to passengers, partners, and investors that significant safety deficiencies exist, potentially deterring business.
The EU blacklist has historically encouraged airlines and nations to undertake significant reforms to address safety deficiencies. Examples include airlines from Moldova, which were removed from the list after achieving compliance.
To regain access to EU airspace, Air Tanzania and Tanzania’s civil aviation authority must collaborate with International Aviation Bodies to identify and address safety gaps, strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve oversight mechanisms, and ensure robust operational safety measures. The airline must also pass rigorous safety assessments and demonstrate compliance with ICAO and EU standards.