Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has announced the launch of its first direct service between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, scheduled to commence on Friday, 19 September 2025. The milestone marks a significant step in strengthening aviation, tourism, and trade ties between Tanzania and Nigeria.
Speaking on the sidelines of the AKWAABA African Travel Market, a Tanzanian government delegation confirmed that the airline had secured a Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), granting it entry into West Africa’s largest aviation market.
ATCL said the route is a fulfilment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pledge to “reconnect Tanzania to the world and bring the world to Tanzania.” The airline emphasised that the new service will boost bilateral relations, support cultural exchange, foster tourism, and advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting intra-African trade.
Founded in 1977 as Tanzania’s national carrier, ATCL has undergone extensive restructuring and fleet modernisation. Its current fleet includes the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for long-haul operations, Airbus A220-300s, Boeing 737 MAX, De Havilland Dash 8-Q400s, and a Boeing 767-300 freighter with a 54-tonne cargo capacity.
With Lagos added to its network, ATCL now connects domestic Tanzanian destinations with key African hubs including Nairobi, Lusaka, Harare, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, and Entebbe, alongside international cities such as Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou. Lagos becomes its first West African destination.
To celebrate the launch, ATCL has introduced a special promotional fare of USD 399 for return tickets on the Dar es Salaam–Lagos route. Passengers will enjoy Tanzanian hospitality, modern inflight amenities, and a customer-first service ethos rooted in “uhuru na umoja” – freedom and brotherhood.
The airline highlighted its multi-channel accessibility strategy, offering booking options via its website, mobile app, ticket offices, travel agencies, and customer care centres. As a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ATCL maintains strict global safety and operational standards.
ATCL described the Lagos route not just as an operational milestone, but as a symbol of Pan-African unity and prosperity. “This launch opens new avenues for trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and government cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania,” the airline said, extending gratitude to the Government of Nigeria, NCAA, and its local partners.
With this expansion, Air Tanzania positions itself as a key bridge between East and West Africa, offering travellers a seamless link from the Indian Ocean coastline to Nigeria’s commercial hub.
