Air Tanzania Launches Direct Dar es Salaam–Johannesburg Flights, Boosting African Connectivity

Air Tanzania Launches Direct Dar es Salaam–Johannesburg Flights, Boosting African Connectivity
7 June 2025 7 Comments Koketso Mashika

Air Tanzania Ramps Up Its African Ambitions

Starting November 30, 2024, travelers heading between Tanzania and South Africa will see a whole new set of options. Air Tanzania is rolling out direct flights four times a week between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg. It’s more than just a new route—it's a big leap for regional air travel, aimed at making the journey between these two countries smoother and more competitive than ever before.

The new service will be handled by Air Tanzania’s modern Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, offering a total of 181 seats. Travelers can choose from 16 Business Class seats, aimed at those who like to fly with extra comfort, and 165 Economy Class seats for anyone watching their budget. This move means Tanzania’s national airline will fill the skies with about 3,000 extra seats every month in each direction, opening the doors wider for business, leisure, and everything in between.

What This Means for Travelers and Trade

It’s not just about having more planes in the sky. The Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg route is a vital link between two of Africa’s biggest economies. Right now, Airlink is the other main player on this route, with daily flights using smaller Embraer E190 jets. With Air Tanzania jumping in, suddenly there’s more choice—whether you want to pick your seat, look for a better fare, or simply have more flexibility in your travel plans.

This expansion goes beyond just moving people from one airport to another. For businesses and entrepreneurs, better connectivity can mean smoother trade, faster movement of goods, and face-to-face meetings that drive deals home. Tourism also stands to benefit in a big way. South Africans will find it easier to experience Tanzania’s wild safaris and tranquil beaches, while Tanzanians can tap into Johannesburg’s bustling city life and business opportunities.

Air Tanzania is looking at the bigger picture. The airline’s strategy is to beef up its presence across Africa, challenging older, established carriers and carving out a new identity as a major regional player. This isn’t a one-off move. It’s part of a larger plan to connect more dots across the continent, making travel easier, boosting regional business, and keeping tourism dollars close to home

For passengers, all of this boils down to simpler trips, better prices, and improved flight schedules. As competition heats up, flyers will likely see more perks—think special offers, improved onboard experiences, and maybe even easier transit to other African destinations.

So, if you’re planning a trip between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg this winter, expect to see some fresh options and maybe even save a little cash. The skies over Africa just got a bit busier—and a lot more accessible.

7 Comments

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    mona panda

    June 8, 2025 AT 12:43
    Honestly? I’m skeptical. More flights don’t automatically mean better access. Look at how many African airlines promise connectivity but still have 3-hour layovers in Addis or Nairobi. This feels like marketing fluff with a shiny new 737.
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    Evangeline Ronson

    June 8, 2025 AT 22:47
    This is genuinely encouraging. Regional air connectivity has been one of the most underdeveloped areas of African infrastructure. The Boeing 737 MAX 9’s efficiency and capacity could set a new standard-not just for Air Tanzania, but for other national carriers looking to modernize. The focus on both business and economy class is thoughtful, not just profit-driven.
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    Thomas Capriola

    June 9, 2025 AT 06:57
    181 seats? Cute. My private jet has more legroom.
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    Rachael Blandin de Chalain

    June 10, 2025 AT 01:23
    The introduction of direct services between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg represents a significant advancement in intra-African air travel infrastructure. The operational deployment of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aligns with contemporary environmental and economic efficiency benchmarks. This initiative merits commendation for its strategic alignment with regional integration objectives.
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    Soumya Dave

    June 10, 2025 AT 23:51
    This is HUGE. Think about it-Tanzania isn’t just trying to fly planes, it’s building bridges. Every seat on that 737 is a chance for a small business owner in Arusha to meet a client in Sandton. Every tourist booking a ticket is choosing to invest in local guides, lodges, markets. This isn’t just about flights-it’s about unlocking potential. People say Africa needs foreign investment? Nah. We need bold local carriers like Air Tanzania to take the lead. Keep pushing. The continent is watching, and it’s rooting for you.
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    Chris Schill

    June 11, 2025 AT 12:17
    The competition with Airlink is going to be interesting. If Air Tanzania can maintain reliability and pricing parity, this could shift the entire dynamic of East-Southern African air travel. The MAX 9’s range and efficiency make this feasible long-term, assuming fuel costs don’t spike. Worth monitoring closely.
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    cimberleigh pheasey

    June 11, 2025 AT 15:39
    I’ve flown this route twice-once with Airlink, once with a layover in Nairobi. The difference? This feels like the first time I’m seeing an African airline truly design something for Africans. Not just copying European models, not just squeezing in as many seats as possible. Real seats, real choices, real ambition. If this works, it’s a blueprint for others. Let’s hope they keep the snacks good too.

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