Tanzania has strengthened its international aviation network with the launch of Air Tanzania Company Limited's (ATCL) direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Moscow, a move the government says will accelerate tourism growth, boost trade and deepen economic ties with Russia.
The inaugural flight landed in Moscow on Friday, marking the first time Tanzania's national carrier has operated a non-stop service to the Russian capital.
On board was a high-level delegation led by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, accompanied by Members of Parliament, senior government officials and representatives of Tanzania's tourism industry.
The new route forms part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's strategy to expand Tanzania's global air connectivity while positioning the country as a leading tourism destination.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Moscow, Dr Kijaji said the direct service addresses one of the long-standing challenges faced by international travellers seeking to visit Tanzania.
"For many years, tourists have raised concerns over the lack of direct flights to Tanzania. This route removes that barrier and opens a new chapter for our tourism industry," she said.
She said the government expects the new connection to substantially increase tourist arrivals from Russia and neighbouring countries.
According to figures from Russia's Ministry of Tourism, Tanzania has been receiving about 17,100 visitors from Russia annually.
With the introduction of direct flights, the government now projects arrivals could exceed 200,000 in the coming years.
Dr Kijaji credited the achievement to President Samia's efforts to market Tanzania internationally through initiatives such as The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania, saying the campaigns have significantly raised the country's profile across Europe, North America and Asia.
"The launch of this route is one of the positive outcomes of the President's tourism promotion initiatives. We are already seeing growing international interest in Tanzania as a destination," she said.
Beyond improving connectivity, the launch is expected to strengthen business links between tourism operators in the two countries.
The Tanzanian delegation includes representatives from 47 local tour companies who are scheduled to hold business meetings with more than 92 Russian tour operators to explore partnerships aimed at increasing visitor numbers.
Dr Kijaji said the government also plans to organise a larger Tanzania-Russia tourism forum within the next two months to expand cooperation between industry players.
She added that the government will continue investing in tourism infrastructure to support the anticipated growth in visitor arrivals.
Among the major investments, she cited the allocation of about Sh300 billion to improve infrastructure in Tanzania's Southern Tourist Circuit, including upgrades to airports serving Mikumi, Nyerere, Ngerengere and Ruaha national parks.
Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa described the new route as an important milestone for the country's aviation sector, saying it would stimulate tourism while creating opportunities for trade, investment and stronger diplomatic relations.
"The direct flights will make travel between Tanzania and Russia easier, encourage business exchanges and contribute to the growth of the national economy," he said.
ATCL will operate the Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar–Moscow service three times a week, offering travellers a direct link between the two countries and reinforcing Tanzania's ambition to establish itself as a major tourism and investment destination in Africa.
