Air Tanzania secures permit to launch direct flights to Nigeria
What you need to know:
- The new route is expected to open up fresh opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment between Tanzania and West Africa’s largest economy.
Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has moved a step closer to launching direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos after receiving the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) from the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The permit was officially handed over at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana—represented by senior official Ahmed Mohammed—said the permit would improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and strengthen aviation cooperation between the two countries.
“The presentation of the FCOP to Air Tanzania is a significant step in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,” Mr Kana said.
He noted that the move aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to boost regional integration and foster stronger economic ties across Africa.
The Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, said the country looked forward to Air Tanzania beginning operations, adding that Nigeria’s aviation market offers strong growth opportunities.
She confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations will soon be signed at NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The MoU will require ATCL to upload all passenger data into NCAA’s AVITECH portal—a standard requirement for airlines operating in Nigeria.
Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, hailed the development, describing Nigeria as “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations.”
“The movement of people, goods, and services across Africa has long been held back by limited regional connectivity. This partnership will help bridge that gap,” he said.
According to the envoy, ATCL is ready to begin scheduled direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos after meeting key regulatory requirements, including a rigorous base inspection by NCAA.
The airline has also received approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures. The envoy appealed to Nigerian authorities for office space at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and residence permits for ATCL staff.
The new route is expected to open up fresh opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment between Tanzania and West Africa’s largest economy.
