Air Tanzania returns to OR Tambo Airport after 10 years’ hiatus

July 01, 2019: Air Tanzania, the flag carrier of Tanzania, has resumed flights between South Africa and the East African nation, after a hiatus of 10 years, on the back of passenger request to start direct flights to Johannesburg.

On June 28, the first of the four weekly flights took to the skies from OR Tambo International Airport to Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam.

The carrier informed that it will operate direct flights four time a week, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

According to the carrier, 48,000 South African business and adventure travellers visit Tanzania annually. The Tanzania Tourist Board believes this figure can be boosted with greater connectivity between the two countries.

Air Tanzania will operate two types of aircraft on the route, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 240 seats and an Airbus A220 with 120 seats.

The inward bound flights to South Africa will depart from Dar es Salaam at 10h30 local time and arrive at OR Tambo International Airport at 12h45.

The Tanzania-bound flights will depart at 14h30 and arrive in Tanzania at 18h35 local time.

Bongiwe Pityi-Vokwana, general manager of OR Tambo International Airport said: “We are delighted to welcome Air Tanzania, particularly as increasing mobility between African countries is essential to economic development.

“The successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, signed by 44 African countries last year, requires greater movement and trade among African countries. We therefore believe that new direct connections between South Africa and Tanzania will deepen regional integration, improve intra-regional trade levels and air connectivity.”

Air Tanzania’s managing director Ladislaus Matindi said: “Tanzania is in an increasingly popular destination within Africa and we believe greater connectivity will encourage more South Africans to visit our country. For us, this new route is a significant entry to the southern African market and we are confident of being able to grow further around the region.”