Air Tanzania Nigeria flight launch boosts trade and tourism as Lagos-Dar es Salaam route connects West and East Africa with direct air service

Air Tanzania Nigeria flight launch marks a significant milestone in regional connectivity as the East African carrier inaugurated direct flights between Lagos and Dar es Salaam, opening new doors for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

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Speaking at the weekend launch event in Lagos, Peter Ulanga, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tanzania, described the new air route as “a rhythm of progress”, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

“This is more than a new route,” Ulanga declared. “It is a rhythm of progress… opening the skies to greater business, tourism, and cultural exchange.”

The Lagos–Dar es Salaam connection begins with three weekly flights, supported by plans to expand cargo operations with a freighter boasting a 54-tonne capacity.

Ulanga revealed that the airline now serves 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia — including Johannesburg, Dubai, Nairobi, Mumbai, and Guangzhou.

He highlighted the route’s economic potential, envisioning the exchange of products like Nigerian yams and Tanzanian coffee, alongside increased people-to-people ties and tourism flows.

From the Serengeti and Zanzibar’s beaches to Nigeria’s vibrant culture and entrepreneurial energy, Ulanga encouraged both nations to explore each other’s unique offerings.

He also thanked the governments of both countries and key partners — including CRDB Bank, NIC, UTT AMIS, and Boeing — for supporting the expansion.

Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary for Transport, led the official delegation and underscored Nigeria’s economic position:

“Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest economy. This direct connection will deepen trade, investment, and social ties between our two nations.”

He also praised Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan for transforming Air Tanzania into a modern, competitive airline with 16 aircraft and an average fleet age of 4.5 years.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Mrs. Janet Oputa, congratulated Air Tanzania and reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s full support for the airline’s West African expansion.

Tanzanian Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, described the moment as “the dawn of a new chapter; a bridge across the skies connecting two magnificent nations.”

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With trade, tourism and pan-African unity at the heart of this route, the Air Tanzania launch stands as a tangible step towards realising a truly connected African continent.