Ejiro Efenudu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted Air Tanzania official approval to commence direct flight operations into the country, marking a significant boost for bilateral relations and air travel connectivity between Nigeria and Tanzania.
As part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Tanzania, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has welcome the request by the Head of Chancery of the Tanzania High to Commission, Mrs. Judica Elfadhili Nagunwa, for Air Tanzania to commence direct flights to Nigeria.
The announcement was confirmed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which disclosed that the permit would enable Air Tanzania to operate direct passenger and cargo flights to Lagos and Abuja. This move is expected to deepen trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two African nations.
According to NCAA Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu, the decision aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing regional integration and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. “This approval is a testament to our dedication to opening the Nigerian aviation market to reputable African carriers and fostering stronger economic ties,” Nuhu stated.
Air Tanzania, the national carrier of the East African nation, is set to operate Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route, offering passengers direct, non-stop connections between Dar es Salaam and Nigeria. This development is anticipated to save travelers hours of transit time, which previously required layovers in other African or Middle Eastern cities.
Tanzanian aviation authorities have also expressed optimism about the new route, noting that it will facilitate increased business travel, investment opportunities, and tourism inflows. The airline is expected to launch its first commercial flight to Nigeria in the coming weeks, pending final operational schedules and marketing arrangements.
Industry experts believe that the approval will not only strengthen diplomatic relations but also expand Nigeria’s aviation network, providing travelers with more options and competitive fares. It also aligns with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, aimed at liberalizing air transport on the continent.
Travel and tourism stakeholders in both countries have welcomed the development, predicting that it will open new avenues for cultural exchange and economic cooperation. With Nigeria being one of Africa’s largest economies and Tanzania home to popular tourist attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar, the direct flights are expected to create significant mutual benefits.
Air Tanzania is now working closely with Nigerian authorities to finalize ground handling, ticketing, and customer service arrangements ahead of the launch. The airline has promised competitive pricing, premium service, and flexible travel options to attract business and leisure travelers alike.
This approval comes as part of Nigeria’s broader effort to encourage more African airlines to operate into the country, reducing dependency on foreign carriers outside the continent and promoting intra-African travel.
