Air Tanzania launches Dar es Salaam-Accra route to forge critical East-West Africa tourism link

TANZANIA/GHANA – Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has launched a pivotal direct service connecting Dar es Salaam to Accra, solidifying its network as a key bridge between East and West Africa.

The inaugural Boeing 737-9 Max flight, which received a ceremonial water salute upon arrival in Ghana on January 28, 2026, establishes ATCL’s 32nd destination and enhances vital connectivity for tourism and trade.

Strengthening Continental Tourism Corridors and Accessibility

Operating three times weekly with a stop in Lagos, this new route directly addresses a major logistical gap in intra-African travel.

It significantly reduces transit times for West African travelers seeking to reach Tanzania’s renowned tourism destinations, including the spice islands of Zanzibar and the wildlife-rich national parks.

Conversely, it facilitates easier access for East African visitors to Ghana’s historical and cultural sites.

Officials emphasized the route’s strategic role in supporting growing tourism flows and creating wider trade and employment opportunities in both regions, while also serving as a more efficient conduit for travelers connecting onwards to major Asian markets like China and India.

Capitalizing on Record Growth and Network Expansion

The Accra launch is part of an aggressive expansion phase for the national carrier, following new route launches to Cape Town and Victoria Falls in December 2025.

This growth is underpinned by strong performance, with ATCL reporting 1.5 million passengers carried in 2025.

The airline plans to further bolster its domestic network with three new routes to Rukwa, Shinyanga, and Musoma, enhancing internal connectivity that feeds into its international hubs.

By becoming the 26th international airline serving Kotoka International Airport, ATCL is positioning itself as a major player in the continent’s evolving aviation landscape.

A Strategic Asset for Regional Hospitality and Economic Integration

This route is more than a flight path; it is infrastructure for economic integration. For the hospitality sector, reliable direct air links are the single most important factor in developing tourism.

This service makes multi-destination itineraries combining West and East African experiences commercially viable for tour operators, potentially increasing visitor length of stay and expenditure.

By improving direct air access, ATCL is not only growing its own operations but also acting as a catalyst for hotel development, tourism investment, and cross-continental business in both Tanzania and Ghana, contributing directly to the realization of the African Union’s vision for a single air transport market and integrated economic growth.

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