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- The categories of flights include repatriation flights, operations related to humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights, technical landings where passengers do not disembark and other safety-related operations.
- Prior to the relaxation of the restrictions, it could take up to two weeks for an airline to get the permit for repatriation flights and other related operations
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) suspended on 11th April, all international passenger flights into and out of the country in an effort to spread Covid-19. In view of the pressing demand for the service, the Tanzanian government has relaxed some restrictions on international flights. The categories of flight movements include repatriation flights, operations related to humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights, technical landings where passengers do not disembark and other safety-related operations. Cargo flights were allowed into Tanzania on condition that crew members be quarantined at designated places by the government at their own cost for the duration of their stay.
The United Sates, Turkey, UK, Lebanon, Pakistan and Ethiopia had arranged special flights back home for their citizens stranded in Tanzania. Prior to the relaxation of the restrictions, it could take up to two weeks for an airline to get the permit for repatriation flights and other related operations as the applications needed clearance from the Foreign Affairs ministry, and the defense and security authorities before TCAA issues the permit. Under the relaxed regulations, from May 14, airlines can secure a permit within two hours’ subject to submission of all necessary documents.
According to the TCAA circular, the government would authorise empty flights for repatriation of people on condition that the crew does not disembark and all travellers will be subjected to intensive screening, including rapid testing for Covid-19 if deemed necessary. On May 14, Air Tanzania Company Limited’s (ATCL) chartered flights will leave for India to bring home stranded Tanzanians.
