Air Tanzania has launched its inaugural Dar es Salaam–Seychelles route, marked by a ceremonial welcome at Seychelles International Airport. The new connection strengthens regional integration, boosts multi-destination tourism, and links East Africa’s safari experiences with the Indian Ocean’s luxury beach destinations, enhancing global travel access.
Airport fire engines got into action for a ceremonial water cannon salute, marking a milestone moment at Seychelles International Airport, as Air Tanzania Company Limited launched its inaugural flight from Dar es Salaam to the Seychelles on Sunday. The new route strengthens regional connectivity and opens fresh tourism and trade opportunities between East Africa and the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein, said: “A beautiful morning in Seychelles as we proudly welcome Air Tanzania on its inaugural arrival. This new connection opens exciting possibilities, not only for increased visitor flows but also for stronger regional integration and seamless links beyond.”
With Air Tanzania entering the Seychelles market, it highlighted the broader significance of the route, noting that it creates “exciting possibilities” for visitor flows and deeper regional integration. The new air link positions Seychelles not only as a standalone destination, but also as an extension to East African travel itineraries.
A Boost for Multi-Destination Tourism
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The route creates a seamless travel corridor linking iconic experiences:
- Wildlife safaris in the Serengeti National Park
- Adventures around Mount Kilimanjaro
- Luxury beach escapes in Seychelles
Tourism leaders such as Cuthbert Ncube, Executive Chair of the African Tourism Board, emphasizes that improved connectivity helps “bring Africa closer to each other and the world.” For long-haul travelers from Europe, North America, India, and Asia, this route simplifies combining safari and beach holidays—one of Africa’s most attractive tourism offerings.
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Air Tanzania: History and Evolution
Air Tanzania Company Limited has a long and complex history:
- 1977: Established following the dissolution of East African Airways
- 1990s-2000s: Faced financial struggles and operational setbacks
- 2002: Partial privatization with South African Airways (later reversed)
- 2016 onward: Revitalization under the Tanzanian government, including major fleet renewal
Today, Air Tanzania has repositioned itself as a growing regional and intercontinental carrier, supported by modern aircraft and a renewed strategic vision.
Fleet and Modernization
The airline’s revival has been driven by investment in newer aircraft, including:
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner (long-haul routes)
- Airbus A220 (regional and medium-haul)
- Boeing 737 variants (short- to medium-haul)
This modern fleet enables Air Tanzania to expand efficiently across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
Expanding Route Network
Operating primarily from Julius Nyerere International Airport, Air Tanzania’s network includes:
Domestic Routes
- Dodoma
- Mwanza
- Kilimanjaro
- Zanzibar
Regional African Routes
- Nairobi
- Entebbe
- Lusaka
- Harare
Intercontinental Routes
The addition of Seychelles strengthens its Indian Ocean presence and enhances its role as a connector between Africa and global markets.
Strategic Importance of the Seychelles Route
Beyond tourism, the new connection reflects broader geopolitical and economic shifts:
- Diversified connectivity: Seychelles has actively sought new routes amid instability in other regions
- Regional integration: Stronger ties between East Africa and island economies
- Trade potential: Faster movement of goods and business travelers
- Tourism resilience: Reduced reliance on traditional European routes
Officials like Dr. Majaliwa Maswila, CEO of the Tanzania Tourism Sector Safety and Protection TTSSP emphasized national pride in seeing Tanzania’s carrier expand while maintaining safety standards through institutions such as the Tanzania Tourism Sector Safety and Protection.
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Dar es Salaam – Seychelles Flight
The Dar es Salaam–Seychelles route is more than just a new flight—it represents a shift towards a more interconnected African tourism ecosystem. By linking safari destinations with island leisure markets, Air Tanzania is positioning itself as a key player in multi-destination travel across the continent.
If sustained with strong demand and partnerships, this route could evolve into a vital corridor for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange—bringing Africa closer together while opening it further to the world.