Air Tanzania has initiated direct air service connecting Dar es Salaam and Lagos, operating thrice weekly to enhance travel, trade, and cultural collaboration between Nigeria and Tanzania. The launch event in Lagos attracted key government figures and industry leaders, emphasizing the route’s strategic importance for continental integration goals.
This newly established connection promises to improve accessibility between two of Africa’s major economic hubs. Flights from Dar es Salaam will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while return trips from Lagos are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The event gathered government representatives, tourism officials, logistics experts, and members of the African diaspora, demonstrating the broad support for this project.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, described the link as an “aerial bridge” uniting two of Africa’s largest urban centers and economies. Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mrs. Janet Oputa pointed to the route’s potential to stimulate commerce, tourism, and cultural exchanges, furthering the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport, outlined the economic prospects this venture introduces, noting Nigeria’s status as Africa’s second-largest economy. He lauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for elevating Air Tanzania into a leading carrier with a modern fleet averaging just 4.5 years in age.
Air Tanzania’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Peter Ulanga, invited Nigerians to experience Tanzania’s famed tourist destinations like the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. He also revealed plans to extend cargo capacity, facilitating the exchange of products such as Nigerian yams and Tanzanian coffee. By adding Lagos to its network, Air Tanzania now serves 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including prominent cities like Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou.
The airline continues to champion connectivity across Africa, upholding high standards of safety, service excellence, and customer satisfaction.
