Air Tanzania Co. Ltd. has received regulatory clearance to begin direct flights to Lagos, a move aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and investment flows between Tanzania and West Africa’s largest economy.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development handed the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit to the state-owned airline in Abuja on Tuesday.
The permit, presented by senior ministry official Ahmed Mohammed on behalf of Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, will enable the carrier to finalize preparations for the Dar es Salaam–Lagos service.
“The FCOP is a significant step toward deepening aviation cooperation and operational efficiency,” Kana said, adding that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s strategy to expand regional integration and economic links across Africa.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Director of Air Traffic Regulation Yinka Babaoye Iriobe said the market presents “strong growth opportunities” for the Tanzanian carrier, with a bilateral memorandum of understanding expected to be signed in coming weeks.
The agreement will require Air Tanzania to integrate passenger data into Nigeria’s AVITECH system, part of standard security protocols.
Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, called Nigeria “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations” and said the new route will help close long-standing connectivity gaps on the continent.
Air Tanzania, which has completed a base inspection and obtained approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures, is seeking office space at Murtala Mohammed International Airport and residence permits for staff ahead of the route launch.
The service is expected to open new corridors for cargo and passenger movement, strengthening commercial ties between East and West Africa.