By Ollus Ndomu
Tanzania’s national carrier, Air Tanzania, has officially launched direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, marking a milestone in strengthening air connectivity between East and West Africa. The government of Tanzania has also pledged immediate reforms in its visa system to ease travel for Nigerians visiting the country.
The new route, which reduces travel time between the two countries to under five hours, was inaugurated in Lagos with promises from Tanzanian officials that barriers to mobility will soon be dismantled.
“What I can promise is that within a week, there will be major changes in the visa system,” said Professor Godius Kahyararara, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport. “We have already discussed this with our colleagues in Nigeria and Tanzania, and it is one of the issues that must be resolved to ensure the direct flight benefits both countries.”
Kahyararara noted that research by his ministry revealed Nigeria to be a significant tourism source market for Tanzania, particularly for Zanzibar. “We have Nigerians who travel for tourism, and Zanzibar is their most attractive destination. Our research showed that they often take longer to reach Zanzibar because they travel through Addis Ababa or Nairobi, which are longer routes. Now, it will be possible to reach Tanzania in less than five hours,” he said.
The direct Lagos–Dar es Salaam connection is seen as a strategic intervention to capture Nigeria’s growing outbound travel market while deepening economic, cultural, and trade ties.
Speaking at the launch, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, said the timing of the route reflects broader aspirations for Africa’s intra-continental integration.
“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,” Kakele explained. “This connection will strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between Tanzania and Nigeria.”
Economic and Tourism Benefits
The Lagos–Dar es Salaam route comes at a time when African nations are investing heavily in improving intra-Africa connectivity, a key agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Analysts say Air Tanzania’s entry into Nigeria could bolster bilateral trade while positioning Tanzania as a top tourism destination for West Africans.
Tourism is a vital sector for Tanzania, accounting for about 17 percent of its GDP. With iconic destinations such as the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar, the country attracts millions of visitors annually. Nigerian tourists, who typically face long flight connections, are now expected to find Tanzania more accessible.
“Ease of access is critical in growing tourism numbers,” said Kahyararara. “Once visa processes are simplified, Nigerians will no longer need to go through the stress of applying for multiple clearances or endure long layovers. They will simply board Air Tanzania in Lagos and arrive directly in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.”
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
Diplomats from both countries view the new route as more than just an economic initiative. It is also a tool for cultural diplomacy and regional solidarity.
“We are not just opening the skies; we are opening doors for new opportunities,” Ambassador Kakele said. “Whether in business, education, or tourism, Nigerians and Tanzanians now have a direct bridge to interact, learn, and grow together.”
The Ambassador further underlined that Nigeria’s economic size and Tanzania’s tourism potential make the two countries natural partners. The direct flights, he added, could attract joint ventures in sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, technology, and education.
Looking Ahead
Air Tanzania currently operates a fleet of modern aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A220s, which serve both regional and international routes. With the addition of Lagos, the airline is broadening its West African footprint after launching flights to Harare, Bujumbura, Lusaka, and Johannesburg.
Officials expressed optimism that the Lagos–Dar es Salaam flights will not only improve people-to-people exchanges but also enhance Tanzania’s profile as a business hub in East Africa.
“Air Tanzania is positioning itself as a pan-African carrier, and Nigeria is a critical market in this journey,” said Kahyararara.
As the two countries prepare for smoother visa regimes, the route is expected to grow into a symbol of how African nations can take deliberate steps toward bridging gaps in connectivity.
With this development, Tanzanian officials say travelers should expect more direct routes in the near future, with long-term plans to expand Air Tanzania’s network to other major West African cities.
For now, Lagos stands as the first direct air gateway between Nigeria and Tanzania; and both governments are betting big on the opportunities it will unlock.
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