Tanzania Launches First Direct Flight from Dar es Salaam to Lagos, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Tanzania Launches First Direct Flight from Dar es Salaam to Lagos, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Lucky Akra
Tanzania has officially launched a direct flight route between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity between East and West Africa. The inaugural Air Tanzania flight landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Tanzania and Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Tanzanian Ministry of Transportation, Professor Godius Kahyarara, described the move as a strategic decision aimed at fostering deeper cooperation and shared prosperity between the two nations. He noted that Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and its influence within the ECOWAS sub-region made it a natural choice for Air Tanzania’s first direct route to West Africa.
“This is a landmark development,” Professor Kahyarara said. “The direct flight significantly reduces travel time from over 10 hours to just five and a half, creating a faster, more convenient link for businesses, tourists, and governments.”
He also emphasized the sustainability of the route, stating that with strong market demand, Air Tanzania plans to expand its West African operations to include destinations such as Accra, Ghana, and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as well as exploring other Nigerian cities.
Managing Director and CEO of Air Tanzania Company Limited, Mr. Peter Ulanga highlighted the tourism potential the route brings, offering Nigerian travellers easier access to Tanzanian attractions such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti. He added that the new route also provides a cost-effective alternative for Nigerians looking to connect with other parts of Africa and the world.
Also present at the inauguration was Mr. Mohammed Ngamanya, Country Manager of Air Tanzania, who noted that the direct connection was long overdue. He said the route aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting regional trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, praised the development, noting that it would help position both Nigeria and Tanzania as aviation hubs within their respective regions. He described the reduced flight time and improved connectivity as a win-win for both countries.
“This agreement reduces the logistical burden for travellers and businesses,” Ndace said. “It supports Nigeria’s transformation agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative by making the business environment more accessible and attractive.”
He added that VON, in partnership with Tanzania Broadcasting Services, remains committed to promoting positive narratives about Africa, with this new route serving as a symbol of African cooperation and progress.
The historic launch signals not just improved air travel between two major African nations, but also a broader commitment to regional integration and economic development across the continent.
