Dar es Salaam. On the momentous day of the inaugural ceremony of Air France’s direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), the speech delivered by Mr David Kihenzile, Deputy Minister for Transport, reflected not only the significance of this event, but also underscored the larger ambitions of Tanzania’s leadership in enhancing the country’s global connectivity and boosting its tourism sector.
Going by the Air France’s website, the route which was launched on Monday (November 18, 2024), will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft.”
A vision of connectivity and growth
The tone of Mr Kihenzile address was set by the acknowledgment of a historic milestone—the return of direct flights from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport to KIA after a 28-year hiatus.
This revival is symbolic of Tanzania’s broader strategy to transform its aviation and tourism sectors.
The Deputy Minister wasted no time in recognizing the vision of the Tanzanian President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose leadership has been central in fostering infrastructure investments that aim to place Tanzania at the forefront of international tourism and trade.
By highlighting the long break since Air France last operated flights to KIA in 1996, Mr Kihenzile provided context to the gravity of the moment.
The speech subtly suggested that the previous gap in direct connectivity reflected missed opportunities, particularly for the tourism sector.
However, the present government’s efforts in reviving such key routes are indicative of its commitment to bolstering economic growth and international tourism—a priority for a country whose tourism potential is globally recognized, but still relatively underexploited compared to other African nations.
Air France’s strategic role in Tanzania’s Tourism
One of the most striking elements of the speech was the emphasis on how Air France’s return would enhance Tanzania’s profile as a top-tier tourist destination.
Mr Kihenzile highlighted the significance of direct flights between Paris, one of Europe’s major hubs, and Kilimanjaro, a gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit—home to iconic attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The Deputy Minister’s words carried an implicit call to action for local stakeholders in the tourism, hospitality, and transportation sectors.
By framing Air France’s direct flights as an opportunity to increase tourist arrivals, Mr Kihenzile was reinforcing the need for a seamless travel experience that would not only welcome foreign visitors, but also reflect the warmth and hospitality that Tanzania prides itself on.
His message was clear: the success of the route will depend not only on the airline, but on the collective efforts of Tanzanian service providers to create a memorable experience for international travelers.
Tanzania’s role in global connectivity
The speech also recognized KIA’s evolution into a strategic hub for international connectivity.
With Air France joining a growing list of international carriers such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Mr Kihenzile painted a picture of a more connected Tanzania.
The direct flights from Paris were positioned as a critical component in the broader narrative of expanding Tanzania’s global reach.
Mr Kihenzile’s mention of “12 international flights from major global carriers” was both a celebration of Tanzania’s achievements and a reminder of the potential for further expansion.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister’s message underscored the long-term economic benefits of such routes, predicting positive multiplier effects across various sectors such as trade, tourism, and hospitality.
For Tanzania, which has long been viewed as a largely untapped market for international tourism, these connections are pivotal.
They are not just about increasing tourist traffic, but also about ensuring that Tanzania becomes a prime destination for both leisure and business travelers from key international markets, particularly Europe.
The government’s role in infrastructure and partnerships
While Air France’s direct flights represented a key achievement, Mr Kihenzile was quick to credit the hard work of government officials, including those at the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), and other tourism and aviation stakeholders, who helped make the day possible.
His tribute to these teams painted a picture of a nation pulling together to achieve a common goal.
By singling out President Samia’s leadership and her strategic investments in infrastructure, Mr Kihenzile presented this moment not as an isolated success, but as part of a larger, ongoing effort to build Tanzania’s reputation and infrastructure on the global stage.
The Deputy Minister’s expression of gratitude to Air France and various partners suggested a recognition of the private sector’s role in this success.
As much as this was a governmental achievement, it also depended on the effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, and Mr Kihenzile’s words highlighted this partnership as a model for future endeavors.
A future of Opportunities
In closing, Mr Kihenzile’s speech looked optimistically toward the future.
He framed the inauguration of the direct flight route as the beginning of a new chapter for Tanzania—a chapter where “strengthened connections, shared exploration, and mutual prosperity”, would define the relationship between Tanzania, France, and the wider world.
It was an invitation to all present, particularly the private sector and local tourism stakeholders, to seize the opportunity created by this new connection.
As the ceremony concluded with the Deputy Minister’s invocation of KIA as “The gateway to Africa’s wildlife heritage,” it became clear that the significance of this event reached beyond just a flight route.
It was a symbolic step toward realizing Tanzania’s potential as a global tourism powerhouse and a strategic international player in the realms of trade and cultural exchange.
