Dar es Salaam. Auric Air Services has introduced four weekly flights connecting Dar es Salaam, Kahama and Mwanza in response to growing air travel demand in Tanzania’s Lake Zone.
The service, which was launched this week, will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using a Bombardier Dash 8-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of 50 passengers, operating on the Dar es Salaam–Kahama–Mwanza route.
Travel time between Dar es Salaam and Kahama is approximately two hours, while the Kahama–Mwanza leg takes about 30 minutes.
The return flight from Mwanza to Dar es Salaam will take roughly two hours and 10 minutes.
Speaking on the launch, Auric Air Sales Director Deepesh Gupta said the airline’s key distinction on the route is its flight schedule, as it offers daytime and evening services that were previously unavailable.
“Our key difference compared to other operators on this route is timing. We fly during the day and early evening, periods when there were previously no flights,” Mr Gupta said.
He added that the new routes will strengthen the airline’s contribution to Tanzania’s aviation sector, noting that Auric Air currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including four large aircraft and two luxury planes.
Commenting on competition within the market, Gupta said the size of the national carrier, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), does not hinder smaller airlines.
“ATCL’s market presence is not a challenge for us. In fact, it helps generate more passengers. As ATCL expands its international routes, it brings in travellers whom we then connect to destinations they do not serve directly, especially tourism routes,” he explained.
Auric Air Planning Officer Asha Mzuri attributed the increased demand for air travel largely to government-led improvements in airport infrastructure across the country.
“The air travel market is growing, infrastructure is improving, and airline efficiency is also increasing. We thank the government of Tanzania for supporting the growth of this sector,” Ms Mzuri said.
The launch of the Dar–Kahama–Mwanza route is expected to improve connectivity within the Lake Zone and support business, tourism and regional economic activities.
