DAR ES SALAAM: THE government plans to expand Air Tanzania Company Limited’s (ATCL) direct international network to Europe and the United States once the national carrier acquires more aircraft, Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa has said.
Speaking after Air Tanzania’s second direct flight from Moscow arrived in Dar es Salaam via Zanzibar, Prof Mbarawa said regulatory barriers no longer prevent ATCL from operating to Europe, with fleet size now the only obstacle to launching additional long-haul services.
“The reason we are not flying to Europe now is simply because we do not have enough aircraft. Once we have sufficient aircraft, we can fly anywhere. There are currently no regulatory restrictions preventing us from doing so,” Prof Mbarawa said.
Last Sunday, ATCL operated its second direct flight from Moscow to Dar es Salaam via Zanzibar, carrying more than 240 passengers aboard a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner following the successful launch of the route.
He said the acquisition of additional aircraft would enable the airline to expand its international network to more destinations.
“Definitely, we expect to receive more aircraft, and once they arrive, we will expand our services to more destinations around the world. Then we are going to fly everywhere, including London and the US, depending on the number of aircraft available. That is the determining factor,” he said.
Air Tanzania has not operated scheduled passenger services to the European Union for several years after Tanzanian-certified airlines were placed on the EU Air Safety List in 2008. However, the government says aviation safety standards have since improved, removing regulatory restrictions, while investment in expanding and modernising the national carrier continues.
The successful launch of the Moscow route reflects Tanzania’s broader strategy to strengthen global connectivity through tourism, trade and investment.
The new service, introduced following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit to Russia, is expected to boost tourist arrivals while enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.
ALSO READ: Moscow flights spur tourism, trade
The direct route fulfils President Samia’s commitment made during her visit to Russia, where she announced the service while inaugurating the TanzaniaRussia Business Forum in St Petersburg on the sidelines of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026.
ATCL Managing Director, Peter Ulanga, said the direct Dar es Salaam-Moscow service has become the airline’s 35th destination. He said the expansion of international routes is creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment while strengthening Tanzania’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub