Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has officially launched its maiden flight to Kinshasa from Dar es Salaam, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen regional integration, diplomatic ties and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The inaugural flight was officiated on Friday, April 25, 2025, by Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, at a colourful event graced by senior government officials, diplomats, and investors from both nations.
Prof Mbarawa described the launch as a bold step towards enhancing regional cooperation and opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and employment.
He commended the Heads of State of Tanzania and the DRC for their visionary leadership, which, he said, had paved the way for this historic initiative.
“This launch is more than just a transportation event; it signifies a new dawn of strategic cooperation that will open up immense opportunities for businesses, spur tourism, and create employment across both nations,” said Prof Mbarawa.
He also lauded ATCL for making the route operational, urging the national carrier to maintain high service standards and uphold strict safety protocols to ensure passenger satisfaction and security.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officials said the new flight service heralds a fresh chapter of strengthened bilateral ties and demonstrates the shared aspirations of the two neighbouring nations for unity and progress in Africa.
“This is a journey of hope and development. It is a symbol of growing Pan-African solidarity, as it brings our countries even closer in terms of people-to-people interaction and economic collaboration,” Paul, a senior official he noted.
On his part, ATCL managing director, Mr Peter Ulanga, said the Kinshasa flights would operate four times a week—on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—using a direct route that takes approximately three hours and 20 minutes.
He said the new schedule would significantly cut travel time between Kinshasa and Dar es Salaam and provide a boost to regional business and tourism.
“With Kinshasa becoming our second destination in the DRC after Lubumbashi, this expansion reaffirms our commitment to widening our international footprint,” said Mr Ulanga.
He added that ATCL plans to introduce more routes to other international destinations in the near future.
The new route is part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional aviation hub and deepen socio-economic integration with other African nations.
