Muscat. Air Tanzania has launched direct passenger services between Dar es Salaam and Muscat, marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties between Tanzania and the Sultanate of Oman while opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and cargo transport.
The inaugural service was officially launched in Muscat by Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, who described the new route as a milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
He said the direct connection builds on centuries of historical links across the Indian Ocean, where Tanzanians and Omanis have traded, exchanged knowledge and culture, and developed enduring social and family ties.
“The launch of this service is not merely the opening of a new air route. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in economic and social cooperation between our two countries,” Prof Mbarawa said.
The minister said the new Air Tanzania service would provide travellers with greater choice, increase transport capacity and meet growing demand for business and leisure travel between Tanzania and Oman. It will complement services already operated by Oman Air.
He said aviation remains a key driver of economic growth by connecting businesses with markets, tourists with destinations and investors with opportunities, while also strengthening people-to-people links.
Under the new schedule, Air Tanzania will operate three direct flights each week between Dar es Salaam and Muscat.
Prof Mbarawa said the route is expected to boost bilateral trade, deepen economic cooperation, improve the transportation of high-value cargo and strengthen connections between families and communities with historical ties in both countries.
He said the Tanzanian government would continue investing in the aviation sector through improved infrastructure, enhanced safety standards and greater competitiveness while supporting Air Tanzania’s expansion across domestic and international markets.
According to the minister, the government’s objective extends beyond increasing flight frequencies.
It aims to ensure that every new route contributes meaningfully to national economic growth and strengthens Tanzania’s links with international markets.
Prof. Mbarawa said Tanzania and Oman have significant potential for cooperation in trade, investment, aviation, maritime transport, tourism, agriculture, energy, fisheries and the blue economy.
He encouraged Omani businesses and investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in Tanzania, noting that the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to improve the country’s business and investment climate.
The minister also invited Omani tourists to visit Tanzania’s leading attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the islands of Zanzibar.
At the same time, he encouraged Tanzanians to visit Oman to experience its rich history, culture and economic opportunities.
Prof. Mbarawa said the success of the new route would ultimately be measured not by the number of flights or passengers carried, but by the volume of trade, investment, tourism and broader economic benefits generated for the people of both Tanzania and Oman.
He called on governments, airlines, civil aviation authorities, airport operators and the private sector to work together to ensure the route remains commercially sustainable and delivers long-term benefits for future generations.
The launch expands Air Tanzania’s international network as the national carrier continues to pursue its strategy of strengthening regional and intercontinental connectivity in support of Tanzania’s trade, tourism and investment ambitions.
