Heads Up: Why Tanzanian Airlines Are Off the EU's Safety List

Got a trip to Zanzibar on your mind and it involves a visit to the main land as well? Just a quick heads-up about something important that recently came out, especially if you're planning your flights.

The European Union has actually banned all Tanzanian airlines from operating in EU airspace. Yeah, you read that right – ALL of them.

This isn't just a minor thing; it's a serious safety measure. The EU's aviation safety experts conducted assessments and found some pretty significant concerns with Tanzania's civil aviation authorities. We're talking about things like a shortage of qualified personnel, ineffective oversight of flight operations and airworthiness, and a general non-compliance with international safety standards. Basically, they're saying that the authorities aren't able to ensure that these airlines are up to par on safety.

Now, you might be thinking, "But I'm not flying to Europe, I'm flying within Tanzania or to Zanzibar!" And that's exactly why you should pay attention. While these airlines aren't flying into EU countries, the ban highlights that their safety standards aren't meeting international levels. So, if you're planning to hop on a domestic flight to or from Zanzibar, or even to other parts of Tanzania, it's definitely something to reconsider.

Which airlines does this affect that fly to Zanzibar?

Since the ban applies to all air carriers certified in Tanzania, this includes prominent ones that often fly to Zanzibar, such as:

• Air Tanzania (ATCL): The national flag carrier.

• Precision Air

• Coastal Aviation

• Auric Air

• Regional Air

• Flightlink LTD

• As Salaam Air

• Tropical Air Zanzibar

• Unity Air Tanzania

Essentially, if it's a Tanzanian-registered airline, it's on the EU's naughty list for safety reasons.

The last years there has been a lot of incidents here with most of these airlines, but almost only those that ends with fatalities are reported. And the last accident, this time Precision Air, where 19 people lost their lives, was as late as 2022.

So, what are your alternatives for getting to Zanzibar?

Don't worry, your Zanzibar dreams aren't dashed! There are still plenty of ways to get there safely:

• International Airlines: Many international carriers still fly directly to Zanzibar (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport - ZNZ) or to major Tanzanian hubs like Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro, from where you can then connect. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Emirates, KLM, and Air France are some that have routes to Tanzania or directly to Zanzibar. Tanzania has even authorized some foreign airlines to expand their operations to ensure continued connectivity.

• Ferries from Dar es Salaam: This is a popular and often more scenic option if you're coming from mainland Tanzania. High-speed ferries operate daily from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, and the journey is usually around 2.5 hours. Just make sure you pick a reputable and well-maintained ferry operator!

• Other reputable domestic airlines (if they are NOT Tanzanian-registered): While the ban is on Tanzanian-certified carriers, there might be other non-Tanzanian airlines operating domestic routes that aren't on the EU's banned list. Always check the airline's certification and safety record if you're unsure.

The key takeaway here is to prioritize your safety. While it might mean a slight adjustment to your travel plans, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Do a little extra research when booking your flights to Zanzibar and consider these alternatives to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey!

Karibu Zanzibar!