Tanzania is hosting the Second Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) User Preferred Routes (UPR) Trials Workshop and Free Route Airspace (FRA) Project Management Team Meeting from 21 to 24 September 2026, bringing together representatives from ICAO, Member States, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), airlines, international organizations and other aviation stakeholders.

In opening the workshop, Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), Dr. Jabiri K. Bakari, welcomed delegates to Tanzania and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting the modernization, harmonization and continuous improvement of air navigation services across the AFI Region.

Dr. Bakari said that the implementation of Free Route Airspace (FRA) is an important step towards creating a more efficient, flexible and environmentally sustainable airspace structure by enabling aircraft operators to plan and operate along preferred routes while observing safety, capacity and operational requirements.

He noted that the ongoing UPR trials provide an opportunity to test operational feasibility, identify constraints, evaluate proposed routes and gather practical experience from airspace users and service providers.

During the four-day meeting, participants are expected to review progress made in the UPR trials, assess operational experience, validate additional route proposals, and further refine the regional roadmap for FRA implementation. The Dar es Salaam Flight Information Region (FIR) was published as FRA above FL245 on 17 September 2026, demonstrating Tanzania's commitment to improving airspace safety, efficiency, capacity, and environmental protection.

He also underscored the importance of continued cooperation among States, ANSPs, airlines, ICAO and other stakeholders to ensure that FRA implementation remains aligned with ICAO provisions, safety requirements and operational needs.

Hosting the meeting reflects Tanzania's continued commitment to regional aviation cooperation and to initiatives aimed at strengthening air navigation services and improving the efficiency of air transport across the Africa-Indian Ocean Region.