DAR ES SALAAM: DIRECT flights between Dar es Salaam and Muscat are expected to strengthen trade, tourism and investment links between Tanzania and Oman, improving business travel and opening new opportunities for commercial cooperation.
The new Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) route, launched over the weekend at Muscat International Airport, provides the first direct air connection between the two destinations and forms part of the national carrier’s strategy to expand its international network.
Speaking during the inauguration, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Chande said the service will deepen economic cooperation by making it easier for tourists, investors and business travellers to move between the two countries.
He said Oman is emerging as an important tourism market, citing the long-standing historical ties between the two nations and growing opportunities created by improved air connectivity.
“Today, we are not simply launching a new flight route. We are creating a stronger connection that will support tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges,” said Mr Chande.
According to government figures, the country received 15,111 visitors from Oman in 2025. Officials expect the number to increase as direct flights reduce travel time and eliminate the need for connecting services.
The government says its tourism strategy is focused not only on increasing visitor arrivals but also on generating greater economic benefits through higher tourism spending, investment and job creation.
Industry stakeholders said the new route could also strengthen commercial partnerships between tourism businesses in the two countries.
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Tourism consultant Thomas Mdinka said Oman represents a promising market because of the shared historical, cultural and linguistic links between the two nations.
“We found many people speaking Kiswahili, reflecting the close historical relationship between our countries. That gives us a strong foundation for expanding tourism,” he said.
Meijo Safari tour operator Daudi Mollel said the direct service would make travel more convenient for visitors while creating opportunities for closer collaboration between tour operators and travel agents.
“The direct connection removes the inconvenience of connecting flights and makes travel easier for tourists while strengthening business partnerships,” he said.
ATCL will operate three weekly flights between Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Muscat International Airport.
The new service is expected to improve connectivity between East Africa and the Gulf, supporting tourism growth, expanding business links and providing another gateway for trade and investment.
