In 2023, Tanzania made significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability within its aviation sector. Recognizing the global push to decarbonize air transport, the country introduced updated environmental regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions, encouraging cleaner aviation practices, and aligning with international climate agreements. This article examines the motivations behind Tanzania’s environmental aviation policies, the specific measures adopted in 2023, and their impact on sustainable air transport across East Africa
As aviation grows across the African continent, concerns over its environmental impact—especially carbon emissions—have taken center stage. While aviation accounts for a relatively small percentage of global emissions, its contribution is rising, particularly in developing regions where infrastructure is rapidly expanding.
Tanzania, home to major air hubs like Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport, has experienced increasing domestic and international air traffic. As part of its commitment under the Paris Agreement and ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), Tanzania sought to integrate environmental responsibility into its aviation regulatory framework.
Furthermore, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the East African Community (EAC) have pushed member states to develop sustainable aviation plans. With growing eco-tourism and conservation-sensitive areas such as the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, environmental sustainability in aviation became both a domestic priority and an international obligation for Tanzania.
Policy/Regulation Details
Tanzania’s 2023 environmental aviation policies were developed by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and various stakeholders in the aviation and environmental sectors.
The updated regulations focused on several strategic areas:
- Aircraft Emissions Monitoring and Reporting: All commercial airlines operating within and from Tanzania were required to submit detailed fuel burn and emissions data to the TCAA, aligned with ICAO’s CORSIA guidelines.
- Introduction of Green Airport Initiatives: Airports were mandated to implement eco-friendly operational practices, including the use of solar energy, improved waste management, and green-certified construction for new infrastructure.
- Incentives for Fuel-Efficient Aircraft: Airlines introducing modern, fuel-efficient aircraft (such as the Boeing 787 or Airbus A320neo series) were eligible for reduced landing fees and fast-tracked permits.
- Noise and Emission Control Zones: Specific zones were designated around major airports where stricter noise and emission standards applied. These included time-of-day restrictions for certain aircraft types.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Readiness Plans: Although SAF production and use in Tanzania remained minimal, the new policy introduced a framework for future adoption, including feasibility studies and potential partnerships with biofuel producers.
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): All new aviation infrastructure projects were required to undergo thorough EIAs, reviewed jointly by aviation and environmental authorities.
The policies were embedded in a national strategy titled “Green Skies Tanzania 2023–2030,” which outlined short- and long-term targets for emission reduction, airport sustainability, and climate adaptation.
Impact and Challenges
The introduction of environmental aviation policies positioned Tanzania as a forward-looking actor in regional aviation sustainability. Airlines operating in the country began making operational adjustments to reduce fuel consumption, including optimizing flight paths and using ground power instead of auxiliary power units at airports.
International development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, welcomed Tanzania’s initiatives and offered technical and financial support to scale up green airport practices.
However, implementation challenges emerged. Many local carriers lacked the capacity or equipment to monitor and report emissions accurately. Smaller airports, especially in rural regions, faced difficulties adopting green technologies due to infrastructure and funding limitations.
Moreover, the market for sustainable aviation fuel remained underdeveloped, and the policy’s SAF-readiness measures were viewed by some industry players as premature without corresponding supply-side investments. Airlines also raised concerns about the administrative burden of environmental reporting and the cost of compliance.
Despite these hurdles, Tanzania’s aviation sector acknowledged the long-term economic and reputational benefits of aligning with global sustainability standards—particularly as environmental regulation becomes a condition for international cooperation and investment.
Conclusion
Tanzania’s 2023 environmental aviation policies mark a proactive shift toward greener air transport operations. By integrating emission monitoring, eco-friendly airport practices, and incentives for cleaner aircraft, the country set an important precedent in East Africa. While full implementation will require time, investment, and capacity-building, these policies lay the foundation for sustainable aviation that supports both economic growth and environmental stewardship. Continued alignment with international frameworks like CORSIA and regional collaboration will be key to the policy’s success.
