Air travel in Tanzania grounded to a halt over the weekend as domestic flights were cancelled and international travel severely disrupted following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s landslide election victory, which opposition groups have rejected.
Hundreds of passengers were stranded at airports, with many unable to access flight information due to widespread internet blackouts.
“We are traveling from Zanzibar to Paris, but we cannot because the flight from Zanzibar to Nairobi is cancelled… we do not know where to stay or sleep tonight,” said French traveller Irvine René at Zanzibar Airport.
The election, which handed Hassan more than 97% of the vote, has triggered unrest across major cities.
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Protesters took to the streets to challenge the results and demand vote counting be halted. Security forces, backed by the military, moved in to disperse crowds amid reports of violence.
Several countries including the United Kingdom, United States and Canada have issued travel advisories warning citizens against travel to Tanzania due to the escalating tensions.
Opposition leaders Tundu Lissu of Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina were barred from contesting, leaving Hassan virtually unopposed — a result critics say amounted to a political coronation rather than a democratic contest.
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The UN Office for Human Rights reported at least 10 deaths in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro, while the UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all sides to avoid further escalation. The UK, Canada and Norway also condemned the violence, citing “credible reports” of significant casualties.
The EU called on Tanzanian authorities to exercise “maximum restraint” and protect human lives as tensions remain high and transport disruptions persist.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
