The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the commencement of direct flight services between Nigeria and Tanzania would enhance trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries while advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as well as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Keyamo stated this at the weekend in Lagos during the inaugural flight services between Nigeria and Tanzania.

Air Tanzania, the national carrier of Tanzania, on Saturday commenced direct flight services from its base in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The airline launched the route with three weekly frequencies – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – into Lagos, while the return flights from Lagos to Dar es Salaam are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Keyamo, who was represented at the occasion by Janet Oputa, a management staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), commended Air Tanzania for the bold move.

Keyamo promised that the Nigerian government would strongly support the new entrant on the route.

Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Tanzania, Prof. Godius Kahyarara, who led the Tanzanian Government delegation to the launch, said that Nigeria would aid the performance of the airline.

For the airline, he said, the launch represented a great opportunity to open up Tanzania by establishing direct air transport services that connect the two countries.

“This connection will strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between Tanzania and Nigeria,” he said.

He also hailed the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose vision he said had positioned Air Tanzania among Africa’s leading carriers, with 16 modern aircraft with an average fleet age of 4.5 years.

The Chief Executive Officer of Air Tanzania, Peter Ulanga, highlighted the opportunities and invited Nigerian travellers to explore Tanzania’s world-class attractions, from the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar’s beaches, while celebrating Nigeria’s energy, culture and entrepreneurial spirit.

Beyond passenger travel, Ulanga also announced plans to expand cargo freighter operations, with capacity for 54 tons.

This, he assured, would open new trade flows from Nigerian yams to Tanzanian coffee, building commerce to fuel prosperity.

According to him, with Lagos now in its network, Air Tanzania connects to 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai and Guangzhou.

“This is more than a timetable; it is a rhythm of progress and a shared destiny for our people. This is more than a new route. It is a rhythm of progress, starting with three weekly flights from Dar es Salaam to Lagos. Together, we are opening the skies to greater business, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he added.

He further affirmed the airline’s commitment to safety, reliability and excellence, promising passengers and cargo operators world-class service, while building stronger bonds between East and West Africa.

The launch brought together senior representatives of the Nigerian and Tanzanian governments, tourism, business executives, logistics operators and members of the African diaspora in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc is providing comprehensive ground handling services for the airline.

A statement on Monday by Head, Corporate Communications, SAHCO, Vanessa Uansohia, said that the ground handling support included passenger, baggage, ramp, cargo handling, warehousing and other aviation-related services to the airline.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of SAHCO, Adenike Aboderin, said the company was delighted to welcome Air Tanzania to Lagos.