MUSCAT: Air Tanzania launched direct passenger services between Dar es Salaam and Muscat on Sunday, adding a new air link between East Africa and the Gulf as Oman seeks to strengthen tourism, trade and investment ties with the region.
The inaugural flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam was welcomed at Muscat International Airport during a ceremony attended by senior officials from Oman and Tanzania, including Tanzania's Minister of Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa and Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport.
The state-owned carrier will operate three weekly flights using Airbus A220-300 aircraft, providing the first direct scheduled connection between Dar es Salaam and Muscat.
The launch follows the Tanzania-Oman Tourism Promotion Forum and Business Forum held in Muscat, where both sides highlighted stronger cooperation in tourism, aviation and investment.
The new route is expected to reduce travel times and improve connectivity for business and leisure travellers while supporting trade and tourism between the Sultanate of Oman and Tanzania.
"Our launch of direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Muscat marks a pivotal milestone in Air Tanzania's journey and supports our national tourism agenda", said Eng Peter Rudolph Olomi, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tanzania.
"This route will foster unprecedented connectivity between our peoples, business communities and visitors. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from Oman to destinations such as Serengeti, Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro", he said.
Oman Airports said the service strengthens Muscat's role as a regional aviation hub linking the Gulf with East Africa and builds on the long-standing historical relationship between Oman and Tanzania.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Nasser al Sharji said the route would expand travel options while supporting tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges.
"The launch of this direct route represents an important step in enhancing air connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Republic of Tanzania", Al Sharji said.
"It supports our strategy of expanding strategic partnerships and seamless air connectivity in line with Oman Vision 2040, while reinforcing Muscat International Airport's position as a leading regional gateway". Oman and Tanzania share centuries-old historical links through maritime trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean, particularly with Zanzibar, where Omani heritage remains visible in Stone Town.
According to figures released during the launch, about 29,306 visitors from Oman travelled to Tanzania during the first half of 2026.
Tanzania received about 2.3 million international visitors during the same period, generating tourism revenue of around $4.40 billion. The country aims to attract eight million international tourists annually by 2030, with improved air connectivity identified as a key component of that strategy. — ONA
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