Air Tanzania has suspended its direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Moscow, citing safety concerns after a routine assessment of conditions along the route.

The suspension took effect Sept. 4 and affects flights TC422 and TC423 between Tanzania and Russia. The airline said the decision was based on its ongoing review of operating conditions across its network.

Air Tanzania Company Limited said safety considerations took priority over commercial interests, but it did not disclose the specific risks identified in its latest assessment.

The move comes as concerns grow over civilian aviation in Russian airspace amid increased Ukrainian drone activity linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also warned about risks to civilian aircraft operating in the region.

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

Passengers offered refunds and rebooking

Air Tanzania said passengers booked on the affected flights can choose between a full refund or rebooking for a later date or alternative route at no additional cost.

The airline said it will continue monitoring conditions in consultation with relevant authorities and will resume the Moscow service once its safety assessment supports a return to operations.

The suspension could affect travelers using the relatively new direct connection between Tanzania and Russia, particularly during a period when African airlines are assessing the risks of operating routes linked to areas affected by the conflict.

Moscow route launched just months ago

Air Tanzania launched its direct service between Dar es Salaam and Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport about two months before the suspension.

The route was part of the carrier’s international expansion and gave Tanzanian travelers a direct connection to Russia while also supporting links between Tanzania and the Russian market.

Air Tanzania is Tanzania’s national airline and operates domestic and international passenger services.

The carrier said it regretted the disruption caused to passengers and thanked customers for their continued support.

The airline did not give a specific date for the resumption of flights, saying services will return when its assessment of the operating environment supports a restart.