Air Tanzania has inaugurated direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, opening a new corridor for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Tanzania.
The route was unveiled at a ceremony in Lagos attended by officials from both governments, as well as representatives from the tourism, logistics, and diaspora communities.
The carrier said the service underscores its commitment to expanding regional connectivity and supporting Africa’s economic integration. Industry analysts expect the route to boost bilateral trade and strengthen business links across East and West Africa.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, described the launch as “the dawn of a new chapter, a bridge across the skies linking two great nations and two major cities, Lagos in the west and Dar es Salaam in the east.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Mrs. Janet Oputa, commended Air Tanzania on the milestone and assured the airline of the government’s full support for the new service.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, described the launch as “the dawn of a new chapter, a bridge across the skies linking two great nations and two major cities—Lagos in the west and Dar es Salaam in the east.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Mrs. Janet Oputa, commended Air Tanzania on the milestone and assured the airline of the government’s full support for the new service.
He noted that the new route would not only boost trade, tourism, and cultural ties but also align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market.
Echoing this view, the Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport and head of the government delegation, Prof. Godius Kahyarara, stressed, “Nigeria is Africa’s second largest economy after South Africa. In certain indicators, Egypt also ranks second after South Africa.
“For us, this represents a great opportunity to open up Tanzania by establishing direct air transport services that connect our two nations. This connection will strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between Tanzania and Nigeria.”
He also praised the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose vision has helped position Air Tanzania among Africa’s leading carriers, with a fleet of 16 modern aircraft averaging 4.5 years in age.
Air Tanzania CEO, Peter Ulanga, underscored the opportunities the new service presents, inviting Nigerian travelers to experience Tanzania’s attractions, from the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar’s beaches, while applauding Nigeria’s energy, culture, and entrepreneurial drive.
Ulanga further disclosed plans to grow the airline’s cargo operations with a freighter capacity of 54 tons, creating new trade flows ranging from Nigerian yams to Tanzanian coffee and strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.
“With Lagos now in our network, Air Tanzania connects to 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou,” Eng. Ulanga added. This is more than a timetable, it is a rhythm of progress and a shared destiny for our people.
“This is more than a new route. It is a rhythm of progress, starting with three weekly flights from Dar es Salaam to Lagos (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and return flights from Lagos (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). Together, we are opening the skies to greater business, tourism, and cultural exchange, he noted.”
Air Tanzania, the national carrier, operates a modern fleet serving 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
With a focus on safety, service excellence, and customer care, the airline continues to strengthen connectivity within Africa and link the continent to global markets.
