Air Tanzania Expands to Lagos Nigeria
Tanzania’s national airline, Air Tanzania, has launched a new direct flight route from Dar es Salaam to Lagos, Nigeria.
According to the airline, the service will operate three times weekly.
This new service aims to strengthen the economic and social ties between the two nations, which are major players in East and West Africa.
A Strategic Move for Economic Growth
The inauguration of the flight at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos was marked by a ceremony where Professor Godius Kahyarara, the Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Transportation, highlighted the strategic importance of the new route.
Citing Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and a major influence in the ECOWAS region, Kahyarara noted that the direct service would unlock new investment opportunities and foster stronger relationships between their people.
“Because of its large market and “Giant of Africa” status, Nigeria will experience a positive turnaround that will help its transformation agenda. This will be achieved through the new direct flight agreement with Air Tanzania, which presents many opportunities and benefits for the country“. He said
The new route significantly reduces travel time from approximately 10 hours to just five and a half hours.
He also expressed plans to expand the service to other West African countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast, as well as additional destinations within Nigeria, to capitalize on the country’s large market.
Tourism and Trade Opportunities
Peter Ulanga, the CEO of Air Tanzania, pointed out the benefits for Nigerian travelers.
According to him, the direct flights will provide a convenient and more affordable option for tourists to visit Tanzania’s famous attractions, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
Echoing this sentiment, Mohammed Ngamanya, Air Tanzania’s Country Manager, stated that the flight was long overdue.
He emphasized that the route would boost tourism, education, and commerce, aligning with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agenda (AfCFTA).
Nigeria’s Role in African Aviation
The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jubrin Baba Ndace, welcomed the new service.
He described it as a “win-win” situation that would not only bridge the geographical distance but also reduce air travel costs and establish both countries as key aviation hubs.
He said that VON would support and promote this development, highlighting the importance of sharing positive narratives about Nigeria and Africa.
Ndace stressed that Nigeria’s significant population and economy make it a nation that cannot be ignored, especially with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” which focused on creating a conducive business environment.
“The world cannot afford to ignore Nigeria. This is especially true now, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ which is actively repositioning the nation to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. As the Voice of Nigeria, we are committed, intentional, and unapologetic in our mission to showcase positive narratives about Nigeria, Nigerians, Africa, and Africans. This endeavor is a win-win for everyone involved. Our presence at this historic moment is a direct result of the strong partnership between the Voice of Nigeria and the Tanzania Broadcasting Service.” He re-emphasized.
The direct flight is expected to contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation and elevate the country’s standing on the continent.
