This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
On August 23, 2019, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in Johannesburg, South Africa, as the Gauteng High Court ordered the seizure of a plane belonging to Air Tanzania Company Limited.
The plane, owned by Tanzania's state-run airline, was seized by South African authorities, leaving Air Tanzania with no choice but to cancel its flight from Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Dar es Salaam.
According to a statement by Mr. Leonard Chamuriho, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications, the airline is working to ensure the plane's immediate release.
"We are working to ensure that the plane is released immediately," said Mr. Chamuriho.
As a result of the seized plane, Air Tanzania was forced to make arrangements with other airlines to carry the affected passengers.
This incident is not the first time Air Tanzania has faced trouble in South Africa. Last month, a delegation from the national carrier was turned away at the Oliver Tambo International Airport during its inaugural flight to Johannesburg.
Mr. Ladislaus Matindi, the managing director of Air Tanzania, blamed "miscommunication" between the airport and immigration officials for the hitch that saw him and other officials denied entry into the airport.
Despite the challenges, Air Tanzania launched its maiden flight to South Africa's business capital, Johannesburg, in June, in a move aimed at bolstering relations between the two countries.
