Dar es Salaam, Tanzania— Tanzania’s national carrier, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), has launched direct flights connecting Tanzania with West African states of Nigeriaand Ghana, marking a major step forward for intra-African air connectivity.
The airline introduced three weekly direct flights between Dar es Salaamand Accramid-last week, shortly after inaugurating similar services to Lagosand the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The new Dar es Salaam–Accra route is ATCL’s second direct connection between Tanzania and West Africa and is expected to attract traders, tourists, and other travelers while promoting intra-African tourism and commerce.
According to Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, the new services significantly reduce travel times by eliminating long detours via overseas hubs. Previously, travelers between Tanzania and Ghana often had to transit through the Middle East or Europe, with some routes—such as those operated by Turkish Airlines—taking more than 17 hours with stopovers in Istanbul.
Professor Mbarawa said the timing of the West Africa routes is strategic, partly aimed at preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 (AFCON). The Confederation of African Football (CAF)has officially endorsed Tanzania, Kenya, and Ugandaas joint hosts of the 2027 tournament.
The six- to seven-hour flights between Dar es Salaam, Accra, and Lagos operate three times a week. Departures from Tanzania are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with return flights from West Africa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
“In 2027, we expect to host AFCON, and travelers will need reliable and efficient connections to attend this spectacular event in East Africa,” the minister said, noting West Africa’s strong football culture and fan base.
Currently, East–West Africa air connectivity has largely been served by Kenya Airwaysand Ethiopian Airlines, operating via Nairobi and Addis Ababa respectively.
In August 2025, Nigerian aviation authorities granted ATCL a landing permit at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The permit followed successful inspections by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authorityand approval of ATCL’s local security procedures.
Beyond West Africa, ATCL currently serves destinations including Nairobi, Lusaka, Harare, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, and the Comoros Islands. The airline is also exploring Abidjanas a future West African destination.
ATCL Chief Executive Officer Peter Ulangasaid the new routes raise the airline’s network to 32 destinations, enhancing its competitiveness and reinforcing Africa-to-Africa connectivity.
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