Air Tanzania is set to launch its first-ever direct flights to Russia, establishing a new air connection between Tanzania and one of its fastest-growing tourism markets.
The inaugural service is scheduled to take off on July 2, marking the first regular route operated by the Tanzanian national carrier between the two countries. The new flights are expected to strengthen tourism, trade and business ties while offering travelers a faster and more convenient way to reach Tanzania’s mainland and Zanzibar.
The announcement follows approval from Russian aviation authorities and comes just weeks after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed plans for the route during a business forum held alongside the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Three Weekly Flights Between Tanzania And Moscow
Air Tanzania will operate the service three times per week using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
The route will follow a triangular schedule linking Dar es Salaam, Moscow and Zanzibar before returning to Tanzania’s commercial capital.
Flights from Dar es Salaam will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while departures from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The schedule is designed to provide convenient travel options for both leisure and business passengers traveling between the two countries.
Direct Access To Zanzibar
One of the key advantages of the new service is the direct connection between Moscow and Zanzibar, one of Africa’s most popular island destinations.
According to the airline, the flight time between Moscow and Zanzibar will be approximately 8.5 hours, significantly improving travel convenience for Russian tourists heading to the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Zanzibar has become an increasingly important destination for travelers from Russia in recent years, with strong demand for beach holidays and resort tourism.
Boost For Tourism And Trade
Air Tanzania says the new route is expected to support stronger economic and tourism links between Russia and Tanzania.
The airline believes the direct connection will create new opportunities for tourism development, business travel and bilateral trade while making Tanzania more accessible to Russian visitors.
Industry stakeholders have long identified improved air connectivity as a key factor in expanding tourism flows between the two countries.
Presidential Support For The New Route
The launch follows comments made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the Russia-Tanzania Business Forum held in early June.
Speaking at the event, the Tanzanian leader described the future air service as an important step toward strengthening economic and tourism cooperation between the two nations.
The new flights are expected to contribute to broader efforts to deepen commercial and diplomatic ties while supporting Tanzania’s growing tourism sector.
Air Tanzania Expands International Network
The Moscow service represents a significant milestone for Air Tanzania, which has not previously operated regular flights to Russia.
The addition of the route continues the airline’s strategy of expanding its international network and improving global connectivity for Tanzania.
With direct access to both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, the new service is expected to attract leisure travelers, tour operators and business passengers while further strengthening Tanzania’s position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
Recent Drone Attack Raises Questions
The launch announcement comes just after Moscow’s airports experienced significant disruption following what Russian authorities described as one of the largest drone attacks on the capital since the start of the war in Ukraine.
All four of Moscow’s major airports temporarily suspended operations, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays and affecting thousands of passengers.
At this stage, there is no indication that Air Tanzania’s new route will be delayed, modified or cancelled as a result of the recent security incidents.
