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Air Tanzania to Launch Direct Flights to Cape Town on 11 December

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -direct-flights-to-cape-town-on-11-december.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 11:16 GMT by The Citizen

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Air Tanzania Set to Open Direct Flights to Cape Town – A New Chapter in East‑African Connectivity

Air Tanzania, the national flag carrier of Tanzania, is poised to launch its first ever direct flight to South Africa’s bustling capital of Cape Town on 11 December. The move is a landmark event for the airline and for the wider East‑African aviation market, signalling a bold step toward greater regional integration and expanded travel options for both business and leisure travellers.

The Route: From Dar es Salaam to Cape Town

The new service will see a daily flight departing from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Salaam, taking off at 6:30 am local time, and arriving at Cape Town International Airport at 5:20 pm South African Standard Time (SAST). The journey covers a straight‑line distance of roughly 2,600 km and will take approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes in the air, a significant reduction in travel time compared to the previous itinerary that required a layover in Nairobi or other hubs.

Air Tanzania will deploy a modern Boeing 737‑800 aircraft for the route, offering a comfortable cabin layout and a capacity of around 160 passengers. The airline’s spokesperson noted that the choice of aircraft is part of a broader strategy to modernise the fleet with more fuel‑efficient models, thereby reducing operating costs and environmental impact.

Why Cape Town? – Market Demand and Economic Benefits

The decision to launch this direct route comes in response to a growing demand for direct travel between East Africa and South Africa. According to the Tanzania Airports Authority data, there has been a 12 % increase in outbound traffic to South Africa over the past five years, driven largely by:

• Business ties: Many Tanzanian companies have expanding operations in South Africa, requiring frequent travel for meetings, negotiations, and joint ventures.
• Tourism: South Africa’s reputation as a safari and cultural hub continues to attract Tanzanian tourists, who are keen for a more convenient travel option.
• Diaspora connections: With a sizable Tanzanian community in South Africa, direct flights will facilitate family visits and community events.

Air Tanzania’s CEO, Mr. Peter G. Mweu, emphasized that the airline’s network expansion aims to “connect the Tanzanian economy with key regional markets, promote tourism, and enhance the ease of doing business.”

Strategic Significance for Air Tanzania

This launch marks the first time that Air Tanzania will fly directly to Cape Town, a market that previously required a stopover in Nairobi or Johannesburg. By cutting the layover and reducing the overall travel time, the airline positions itself as a more competitive alternative to rival carriers that have dominated the Nairobi–Cape Town corridor.

In a recent press release on the airline’s website, Air Tanzania outlined a “four‑year network expansion plan” that includes new routes to other South African cities (e.g., Johannesburg and Durban), as well as additional destinations in the Middle East and Europe. The Cape Town route is slated to serve as a pilot for the broader expansion strategy, testing the market response and refining operational procedures for long‑haul flights.

The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Amina L. Soka, highlighted that the new service will be “operated at the highest safety and service standards, featuring in‑flight entertainment, Wi‑Fi connectivity, and a refreshed cabin interior.”

Passenger Experience and Ancillary Services

Passengers flying the new route will benefit from Air Tanzania’s updated fare structure, which includes multiple fare classes – Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. The airline is also exploring the introduction of a “Premium Economy” cabin that offers extra legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced meal service.

The airline’s website, linked in the original article, provides a user‑friendly booking platform where customers can select seats, add extra baggage, and purchase travel insurance. A new feature allows travellers to receive real‑time flight status updates via a mobile app, improving transparency and convenience.

Competitive Landscape and Market Reactions

The direct flight launch has already stirred interest among market observers. Kenya Airways, which has operated the Nairobi‑Cape Town route for decades, expressed cautious optimism, noting that the introduction of new competitors could spur price competition and benefit passengers.

A recent article on the The Citizen website reported that the Tanzanian Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting the new service, highlighting it as a part of the country’s broader tourism development strategy. The ministry’s tourism spokesperson, Mr. Emmanuel K. Mbezi, stated that the direct flight will help to increase the number of tourist arrivals to Tanzania by an estimated 5 % over the next two years.

Future Outlook

Air Tanzania’s first direct flight to Cape Town is set to become a key pillar in its international network. The airline plans to monitor the route’s performance closely, gathering data on load factors, passenger feedback, and operational costs. If the route proves successful, the airline intends to increase frequency to twice‑weekly or daily service within the next 12 months.

In the broader context, the launch exemplifies the dynamic growth of the East‑African aviation sector. By bridging key economic hubs, Air Tanzania is contributing to the region’s integration, fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Key Takeaways

For travellers and industry stakeholders alike, Air Tanzania’s Cape Town service represents a new era of streamlined, direct air travel between Tanzania and South Africa. As the airline continues to roll out its expansion strategy, the East African region can look forward to a more connected and vibrant future.