Air Tanzania Resumes Direct Flights to South Africa and Gets Clearance for Cargo Flights to China

On 30th November 2024, Air Tanzania (ATCL) has officially resumed direct flights between Tanzania and South Africa connecting Dar es Salaam with Johannesburg.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, during the launch ceremony held in Dar es Salaam. The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in aviation infrastructure, including airports, air traffic control systems, and weather monitoring equipment.

“The government is continuously upgrading airport infrastructure across the country, including in Iringa, Tanga, Songea, Mtwara, Musoma, and Sumbawanga. We aim to strengthen Tanzania’s position in regional and international trade, and this is reflected in the increasing number of airlines connecting Tanzania to the global network,” said Prof. Mbarawa.

In addition to passenger services, Prof. Mbarawa announced that Air Tanzania has received clearance from the Government of China to operate cargo flights to the country, expanding the airline’s freight capabilities and enhancing trade opportunities.

Ambassador John Ulanga, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, highlighted the importance of these flights in facilitating travel and trade between the two nations.

Air Tanzania’s CEO, Eng. Peter Ulanga, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued investment in the national carrier. “With the acquisition of modern aircraft, Air Tanzania is poised to connect Tanzania to the world, creating more opportunities for business and tourism,” he said.

In 2019, Air Tanzania suspended its flights to South Africa due to ongoing legal issues stemming from a long-standing dispute with a South African farmer, Hermanus Steyn.

Steyn claimed compensation from the Tanzanian government for the nationalization of his Arusha-based Rift Valley Seed Company Limited in 1982. The outstanding claim amounted to $33 million, including interest.

Conseauently, Air Tanzania’s Airbus A220-300 was impounded as part of this dispute, which involved claims for compensation amounting to approximately U$D 33 million. The aircraft was seized on August 23, 2019, at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Despite the aircraft being released two weeks later, ATCL did not resume flights to Johannesburg immediately. Air Tanzania (ATCL) officially resumed direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg on November 30, 2024, after a five-year hiatus. The resumption follows a 2019 suspension due to a legal dispute with a South African farmer, which led to the temporary impoundment of an Air Tanzania aircraft.