Air Tanzania secures Nigerian permit for direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos
The new route is also expected to spur trade, tourism and investment between Tanzania and West Africa's largest economy.
Tanzania's national carrier, Air Tanzania, has received a Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) from Nigeria, clearing a major hurdle to launching direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos.
The permit was formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja.
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According to Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who was represented by senior official Ahmed Mohammed during the ceremony, the approval would pave the way for stronger operational ties and higher standards in the aviation sector of both countries.
The new route is also expected to spur trade, tourism and investment between Tanzania and West Africa's largest economy.
"The presentation of the FCOP to Air Tanzania is a significant step in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations," Kana said in a statement.
On her part, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director of Air Traffic Regulation, Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations will soon be signed, requiring Air Tanzania to upload all passenger data into the NCAA's AVITECH portal, a standard condition for foreign carriers.
She added that the authority looks forward to Air Tanzania commencing operations, noting that "Nigeria's aviation market offers strong growth opportunities."
Tanzania's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, said the move would boost regional connectivity and position Nigeria as a key hub for Africa's economic integration.
"The movement of people, goods, and services across Africa has long been held back by limited regional connectivity. This partnership will help bridge that gap," he said.
The envoy added that Air Tanzania has already satisfied other key regulatory requirements, including a base inspection and approval of its Local Security Operation Procedures, and is set to commence direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos soon.
The airline is now seeking office space at Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport and residence permits for its staff.
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