Tanzania’s national carrier has resumed operations between Dar es Salaam and Kenya’s capital Nairobi after two decades of not flying to the neighbouring country.
Air Tanzania landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, resuming daily flights between the two East African countries.
The arrival of the new ultra-modern Airbus A220-300 early Friday morning in Nairobi marks the start of the carrier’s double-daily Dar es Salaam to Nairobi route, strategic to the carrier’s fleet and network expansion plans in Africa.
Air Tanzania Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, said they resumed flights on the route following improved bilateral relations, increased trade between the two countries, inter-governmental relations, tourism, extension of familial and friendly ties, and the need to connect the region with other markets.
“We are extremely delighted to resume Nairobi route, which is one of the most significant destinations in East Africa and a key aviation hub as well,” he said.
“We are looking forward to bolstering the relations between Tanzania and Kenya, who have been trusted friends and sincere partners for decades, with this non-stop air service.”
Air Tanzania, will fly the Airbus A220-300, a 132-seater with 12 business class seats and 120 economy class seats, that is renowned for unrivalled comfort for aircraft in its category.
According to Air Tanzania, the airline will depart Dar-es-Salaam at 5.30am to arrive in Nairobi at 6.45am and depart Nairobi at 7.45am to arrive in Dar at 9am, at a cost of $334 for a round trip and roughly $210 for one-way travel on the new Dar-Nairobi route.
The evening flights will depart Julius Nyerere International Airport at 8pm and arrive in Nairobi at 9.15pm, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 10.15pm to arrive in Tanzania at 11.30pm.
Mr Matindi said the schedule was created with the passenger’s comfort in mind, such that a person can fly to…