Implications of Direct Flight From Tanzania to Nigeria

It’s a dream come true for both Nigeria and Tanzania with the historic launch of a direct flight from Dar es Salaam to Lagos.

A Milestone

The milestone is more than a convenience for travelers. It is a strategic step expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange while bridging geographical distance and deepening aviation ties.

Just last month, Nigeria granted Air Tanzania Company Limited a foreign carrier operation permit after the airline successfully met all regulatory requirements of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, that approval paved the way for history.

Friday, 19th September 2025, flight TC226 left Dar es Salaam at 8:30 pm local time and touched down in Lagos at exactly 11:59 pm—a smooth 6-hour journey covering 4,100 kilometres

For passengers, it was a whole new experience.

Previously, flying between Nigeria and Tanzania meant spending between 10 and 12 hours, often with layovers in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dubai, or even Abu Dhabi. Those long connections not only dragged out travel time but also raised costs.

The direct flight has now changed the narrative—fast, seamless, and cost-saving.

Value Addition 

The benefits go beyond convenience. Both nations stand to attract more foreign direct investment, boost tourism traffic, strengthen cultural ties, and expand their aviation industries.

For Air Tanzania, it is also an opportunity to deepen its regional footprint.

For Nigeria, the deal fits neatly into the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a commitment to expand aviation partnerships and strengthen inter-African links.

In fact, this new corridor directly connects the East African Community with the Economic Community of West African States.

It also dovetails with the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to make Africa more connected, competitive, and self-reliant.

Trade between Nigeria and Tanzania remains modest for now, but it is steadily growing.

Tapping Into New Opportunities 

However, for the route to deliver long-term gains, industry experts are of the notion that Tanzania should endeavor to relax some of the restrictions on 15 small-scale business sectors to enable Nigerian entrepreneurs tap into new opportunities. They also stress the need for modern airports, upgraded air traffic control, and efficient cargo handling.

With this new air link, both nations have a golden chance to strengthen their economic and diplomatic bonds, provided they keep faith with their commitments under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The direct flight, therefore, is not just about saving time in the air. It is about shaping a new era of African connectivity.

This news commentary was written by Yinka Otoki,from Voice of Nigeria.

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