Air Tanzania Suspends Dar es Salaam–Moscow Flights Over Safety Assessment

Air Tanzania has temporarily suspended flights between Dar es Salaam and Moscow, effective September 4, following a routine risk assessment of operating conditions along the route.

The national carrier announced that services TC422 and TC423 would be suspended after its assessment supported a temporary pause in operations.

In a public notice, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) said the decision was based on its ongoing evaluation of safety conditions across its network.

“The decision follows a routine risk assessment of the operating environment along the route,” the airline said.

ATCL added that such assessments are conducted continuously and that the airline suspends services whenever the findings indicate that operations should be paused.

Safety Takes Priority Over Commercial Interests

The airline emphasised that safety considerations were the primary factor behind the decision, stressing that they take precedence over commercial considerations.

“Safety considerations always take precedence over commercial ones,” ATCL said.

The carrier did not disclose the specific risks identified during the assessment and did not directly attribute the suspension to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The decision comes, however, amid increased concern over the security of Russian airspace following heightened Ukrainian drone activity and warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about potential risks to civilian aviation.

Concerns Over Russian Airspace

Russia’s Transportation Ministry said on Wednesday that civil aviation authorities were working with the military to prevent significant disruptions to domestic air travel following an airspace warning issued by Ukraine earlier in the week.

The developments have heightened scrutiny of aviation operations in and around Russian airspace, particularly as drone attacks and military activity continue.

Air Tanzania’s decision makes it the first foreign airline to suspend flights to Russia amid the latest concerns over aviation safety.

Passengers Offered Refunds and Rebooking

ATCL said passengers holding tickets for the affected flights would have two options: receive a full refund or have their journeys rebooked for an alternative date or routing at no additional cost.

The airline said it would continue monitoring the situation in consultation with relevant authorities.

“We continue to monitor conditions in consultation with the relevant authorities and will announce the resumption of services as soon as the assessment supports it,” ATCL said.

The carrier apologised for the disruption and thanked passengers for their continued trust and support.

Route Launched Two Months Ago

The suspension comes only about two months after Air Tanzania launched its direct service between Dar es Salaam and Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport.

The route was part of the airline’s efforts to expand its international network and strengthen air connectivity between Tanzania and international destinations.

The temporary suspension underscores the challenges facing airlines operating routes affected by geopolitical tensions and evolving security conditions.

Air Tanzania said it would announce the resumption of the Moscow service once its ongoing assessment determines that operating conditions are suitable.