• Air Tanzania launched direct flights from Dar es Salaam to Accra, a month after opening its Lagos route.

• The expansion aligns with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and supports growing intra-African trade and tourism.

• Ghana’s visa-free policy for African nationals and Tanzania’s goal to reach 8 million annual tourists by 2030 underpin the move.

Air Tanzania has expanded its network in West Africa by securing authorization from Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority to operate regular flights between Dar es Salaam and Accra. The move comes just a month after the carrier launched a direct route to Lagos, signaling its ambition to become a key player along the East–West African corridor.

Authorities in Ghana and Nigeria said the new connections are expected to stimulate trade and tourism between the regions. Ghana, which introduced a visa exemption for all African countries in December 2024, aims to attract more regional travelers. Meanwhile, Tanzania targets 8 million annual visitors by 2030, up from 5.3 million between 2024 and 2025.

The airline’s expansion supports the goals of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship project under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. SAATM seeks to liberalize Africa’s skies, enhance connectivity, and facilitate the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Air Tanzania’s push into West Africa comes amid fierce competition from established regional carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Asky Airlines. These airlines operate larger fleets, have longstanding interline agreements, and enjoy stronger brand recognition across the continent.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa 

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum