Air Tanzania is exploring plans to launch a new international route connecting Dar es Salaam, the Seychelles and Moscow, in a move that could expand travel options between Africa and Russia.

According to Russia’s Ministry of Transport, the proposed route would include a stop in the Seychelles, potentially linking East Africa with Russia through a strategically positioned island hub. The Russian side has indicated it is ready to promptly review the airline’s application once formally submitted.

If approved, the route could enhance Air Tanzania’s network while creating new travel opportunities for passengers from Tanzania, Russia and the Seychelles. The addition of a stopover in the Indian Ocean is also seen as a way to optimize long-haul operations and improve route efficiency.

The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting involving Vladimir Putin and Patrick Herminie, alongside Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin.

Currently, direct air connectivity between Russia and the Seychelles is already in place. Aeroflot operates flights between Moscow and Mahe Island three times a week during the peak season from October to May. In 2025, the route carried over 43,000 passengers, while more than 21,000 travelers were recorded in the first quarter of 2026 – a 3% increase year-on-year.

The potential entry of Air Tanzania on a multi-stop route could further strengthen links between the regions, particularly as demand for leisure travel to the Seychelles and business travel between Africa and Russia continues to grow.

While no official launch date has been announced, the proposal signals increasing interest in expanding air connectivity across emerging long-haul corridors.