Air Tanzania has officially launched direct flights between Lagos and Dar es Salaam, a development expected to deepen economic, tourism, and cultural ties between Nigeria and Tanzania. The inaugural flight was celebrated in Lagos with top government officials, diplomats, and business leaders in attendance.
At the ceremony, Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Professor Godius Kahyararara, announced that the government is set to review its visa system to make travel easier for Nigerians. He assured that significant reforms will be introduced within a week to remove barriers that have long discouraged smooth travel between the two countries.
“What I can promise is that within a week, there will be major changes in the visa system,” Kahyararara said. “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. Our research showed that Nigerians travelling to Zanzibar, our top tourist destination, often take longer routes through Addis Ababa or Nairobi. With this new service, they can reach Tanzania in less than five hours.”
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Selestine Kakele, also underscored the importance of the new air connection, describing Nigeria as Africa’s second-largest economy and a crucial partner for Tanzania.
“For us, this represents a great opportunity to open up Tanzania by establishing direct air transport services that connect our two nations,” he said. “This connection will strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between Tanzania and Nigeria.”
Industry observers say the new route is poised to boost tourism, as Tanzania seeks to attract more Nigerian visitors to destinations such as Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. The service is also expected to facilitate greater movement of business executives and investors exploring opportunities in both countries.
Air Tanzania, the country’s national carrier, has in recent years been expanding its regional and international operations as part of efforts to reposition itself as a major player in African aviation. The Lagos–Dar es Salaam route marks another milestone in its growth strategy and a significant step in building stronger aviation links within Africa.
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