LAGOS-
Air Tanzania has officially launched direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, marking a new era of connectivity between East and West Africa. The service, operating three times weekly, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The inaugural event in Lagos brought together government officials, tourism operators, logistics stakeholders, and members of the African diaspora. Leaders from both countries emphasized that the new route aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), designed to make air travel more accessible and affordable across the continent.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, described the flight as a “bridge across the skies” linking two of Africa’s largest economies. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Mrs. Janet Oputa, highlighted the route’s potential to deepen bilateral trade and strengthen tourism flows.
Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport, noted the economic significance of the route, crediting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision for positioning Air Tanzania as a continental leader. The airline, with a young fleet averaging 4.5 years, now connects Lagos to 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Air Tanzania’s CEO, Eng. Peter Ulanga, invited Nigerians to explore Tanzania’s world-famous attractions such as the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. He also revealed plans to expand cargo operations, facilitating the exchange of goods such as Nigerian yams and Tanzanian coffee.
Nigeria–Tanzania Relations
Nigeria and Tanzania share a history of strong diplomatic and cultural ties dating back to the post-independence era. Both countries played pivotal roles in the liberation movements of Southern Africa and remain partners within the African Union, the United Nations, and other multilateral organizations.
On the economic front, Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest economy, while Tanzania is one of the continent’s fastest-growing markets. Trade between the two nations has been modest but steadily expanding, with opportunities in energy, agriculture, tourism, and logistics.
The new direct flight is expected to be a catalyst for stronger economic integration, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity. It also underscores Africa’s broader ambition to implement SAATM and reduce dependence on non-African hubs for intra-African travel.
With this milestone, Air Tanzania has not only opened the skies between Lagos and Dar es Salaam but also reignited a partnership that reflects Africa’s aspiration for unity, mobility, and shared prosperity.
