Tanzania is expanding its links to international markets as bilateral air services agreements with other countries pave the way for new routes, more flights and wider access to global destinations.
The agreements, commonly known as Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs), provide the legal framework and traffic rights that allow designated airlines from Tanzania and partner countries to operate scheduled services between them.
Their growing impact is being seen through the introduction, resumption and expansion of international flights to Tanzania, including services by Brussels Airlines, Airlink, Etihad Airways, Neos and EgyptAir through Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
One of the latest developments is EgyptAir's introduction of direct flights between Cairo and Zanzibar from September 2026.
The move gives Zanzibar a direct connection to Egypt and strengthens access to the wider Middle Eastern, European and North African markets served through Cairo.
Tanzania's national carrier, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), also launched flights between Dar es Salaam and Moscow, Russia, in July 2026, giving the country a new direct link with the Russian market.
The expansion comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen tourism, trade and investment, sectors that depend heavily on reliable international transport links.
For travellers, more direct flights can mean greater choice of destinations and potentially shorter journeys, while businesses can benefit from improved access to customers, suppliers and investment partners abroad.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) is responsible for supporting implementation of the agreements by administering traffic rights, issuing required approvals and ensuring airlines comply with safety standards and aviation regulations.
The authority also provides technical advice to the Ministry of Transport during negotiations and implementation of air services agreements.
TCAA's role is particularly important because the agreements do not automatically guarantee new flights. Airlines must still assess commercial viability, obtain the necessary approvals and meet regulatory requirements before launching services.
Under BASAs, designated airlines from Tanzania and partner countries are allowed to operate between the respective countries within the traffic rights agreed by the two governments.
The agreements therefore provide the foundation on which airlines can make commercial decisions to open new routes or increase existing services.
For Tanzania, stronger air connectivity has implications beyond aviation.
More international flights can support the movement of tourists, business travellers and cargo, while improving access to markets where Tanzanian companies can sell goods and seek investment.
The continued expansion of routes through Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar also gives Tanzania an opportunity to strengthen its position as an aviation gateway for tourism and regional business.
TCAA said it would continue advising the Ministry of Transport and airlines on opportunities available under Tanzania's agreements with other countries.
As the country pursues broader economic and development targets, aviation connectivity is increasingly becoming part of the infrastructure needed to link Tanzania with people, businesses and markets beyond its borders.