Lagos, Nigeria — Air Tanzania has inaugurated a new direct flight service from Lagos to Dar es Salaam, the airline’s CEO, Peter Ulanga, announced. The new route, which will run three times a week, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Tanzania. Ulanga stated that the new air link is in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Speaking at the launch, Ulanga highlighted the vast economic opportunities the new service will bring. He noted that the connectivity will create new trade flows, such as Nigerian yams reaching Tanzanian markets and Tanzanian coffee entering Nigeria, ultimately driving commerce and prosperity. The airline also plans to expand its cargo services with a 54-tonne capacity.
A Bridge Across the Skies
“This is more than a new route. It is a rhythm of progress, starting with three weekly flights from Dar es Salaam to Lagos and return flights from Lagos,” Ulanga said. With the addition of Lagos, Air Tanzania now connects to 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Ulanga also emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety, reliability, and excellence, promising to build stronger bonds between East and West Africa.
Leading the Tanzanian government delegation, Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, emphasized the strategic importance of the new connection. “Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest economy,” he said. “This represents a great opportunity to open up Tanzania by establishing direct air transport services that will strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between our two nations.”
The event was attended by senior government representatives, business executives, and members of the African diaspora. The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Mrs. Janet Oputa, congratulated Air Tanzania and pledged the government’s full support for the new service.
