Direct Dar es Salaam-Lagos Flights Set to Transform East-West African Connectivity

The recent launch of direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos by Air Tanzania marks a pivotal moment for the African aviation landscape, promising to reshape travel, trade, and tourism across the continent. This strategic move, coupled with the Tanzanian government’s commitment to review and ease visa requirements for Nigerian travellers, signals a new era of opportunity for the region’s travel sector and its stakeholders.

At the heart of this development is the Tanzanian government’s pledge to streamline its visa system, specifically to facilitate smoother journeys for Nigerians flying from Lagos to Tanzania. Professor Godius Kahyararara, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, made this announcement in Lagos during the official launch of Air Tanzania’s direct service. He emphasized that the decision to introduce these flights was driven by a vision to enhance intra-African connectivity and unlock the continent’s vast potential for collaboration and growth.

Professor Kahyararara assured the audience that significant changes to the visa process would be implemented within a week, following productive discussions between Nigerian and Tanzanian authorities. This swift action aims to ensure that the new direct route delivers tangible benefits for both nations. He highlighted that Nigerian travellers, particularly those drawn to the allure of Zanzibar, have historically faced lengthy and circuitous journeys, often transiting through Addis Ababa or Nairobi. With the new direct service, reaching Tanzania—especially the sought-after island of Zanzibar—will now take less than five hours, dramatically improving convenience and accessibility.

Selestine Kakele, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, underscored the broader significance of this initiative. He noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s second-largest economy, represents a vital partner for Tanzania. The establishment of direct air links is expected to strengthen trade, investment, and cultural ties between the two countries, fostering deeper people-to-people connections and opening new avenues for economic cooperation. Kakele also pointed out that, depending on the metric, Egypt sometimes rivals Nigeria for the continent’s second spot, but the focus remains on leveraging Nigeria’s dynamism to drive mutual prosperity.

From the airline’s perspective, Air Tanzania’s CEO, Eng. Peter Ulanga, painted a compelling picture of the opportunities that lie ahead. He invited Nigerian travellers to experience Tanzania’s world-renowned attractions, from the Serengeti’s wildlife spectacle and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Ulanga also celebrated the vibrancy and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria, suggesting that the new route is not just about moving people, but about celebrating and connecting the continent’s diverse cultures and ambitions.

Beyond passenger services, Air Tanzania is also set to expand its cargo operations, with plans to introduce a freighter capable of carrying up to 54 tons. This development is poised to stimulate new trade flows, enabling the export of Nigerian yams and the import of Tanzanian coffee, among other goods. Such enhanced logistics will help build stronger commercial bridges, fueling prosperity and supporting the growth of businesses on both sides of the continent.

With Lagos now integrated into its network, Air Tanzania boasts connections to 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including key cities such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou. The new Dar es Salaam-Lagos route will operate three times a week, with flights departing Dar es Salaam on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and return services from Lagos on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This schedule is designed to offer flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travellers, while also supporting the movement of goods and services.

The launch of this route is more than just an addition to the airline’s timetable; it represents a “rhythm of progress”—a phrase echoed by Ulanga—signifying the shared destiny and aspirations of African nations. By opening the skies between East and West Africa, the initiative is expected to catalyze greater business activity, boost tourism flows, and foster cultural exchange. For the African travel sector, this is a clear signal that the future lies in deeper regional integration and the removal of barriers that have historically hindered movement and collaboration.

For professionals in Africa’s travel industry, these developments offer a wealth of new possibilities. The improved connectivity between Nigeria and Tanzania is likely to drive demand for tailored travel packages, business delegations, and cultural tours. It also presents opportunities for partnerships with hotels, tour operators, and logistics providers, all eager to tap into the anticipated surge in traffic. Moreover, the focus on streamlining visa processes reflects a broader trend towards facilitating seamless travel across Africa, a goal that is increasingly recognized as essential for unlocking the continent’s full economic and social potential.

Looking ahead, the success of the Dar es Salaam-Lagos route could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives elsewhere on the continent. As African economies continue to grow and diversify, the demand for efficient, direct air links will only intensify. Airlines and governments that are proactive in addressing regulatory and logistical challenges will be well positioned to capture the benefits of this evolving landscape.

In summary, the launch of direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, coupled with imminent visa reforms, marks a significant milestone for African aviation and commerce. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for greater connectivity, collaboration, and innovation within the continent’s travel sector. As these changes take hold, industry professionals across sub-Saharan Africa should prepare to seize the new opportunities that are emerging—opportunities that promise to reshape the way Africa travels, trades, and connects with itself and the world.