After nearly three decades, Air France has resumed flights to Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation and tourism sectors. The airline now operates three weekly flights connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), with a stopover in Zanzibar. Air France has resumed flights to Tanzania after 28 years, boosting tourism and trade. Travelers can now enjoy direct connections — remember to secure your Tanzania eVisa for a smooth entry.
Resumption of Services of Air France Airline
Air France resumed its direct flights to Tanzania with the resumption of service on a new route on 18 November 2024. The airline now has three weekly services, namely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, operating between Paris and Tanzania. Air France deploys the state-of-the-art aircraft Airbus A350-900 in order to provide passengers a finer flying experience. The aircraft has 34 Business Class seats with advanced comfort and bespoke amenities, 24 Premium Economy seats for greater space and service, and 266 Economy seats for ease of access and affordability to a large number of travelers. The resumption of this flight is an important milestone in furthering air connectivity between Tanzania and France and ease of travel convenience for tourists and business travelers.
The revival of Air France flights is an indication of the growing demand by French tourists and business travelers keen to explore Tanzania's world-renowned sites. The country's breathtaking natural features, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, continue to attract adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. In addition, the inclusion of Zanzibar in the route highlights the island's increasing popularity as a premier holiday destination, famous for its white sandy beaches, historical sites, and vibrant Swahili culture. By providing a direct link from Paris to these highly sought-after destinations, the new route enhances access and encourages further tourism investment in Tanzania.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Between Tanzania and France
Beyond tourism, the resumption of Air France flights is part of a broader strengthening of Tanzania-France economic and diplomatic relations. France is among Tanzania's core European tourist markets and continues to contribute largely to the country's growing numbers of visitors. The direct air connection is expected to significantly:
- Boost tourist travel as well as promote trade
- Boost business relationships
- Enhance cultural exchange between the two nations.
With enhanced investor and expert access, the enhanced connectivity is set to create new opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, infrastructure, and trade, solidifying Tanzania's position as a key player in Africa's tourism and economic industry
Enhancing Infrastructure in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) remains a crucial entry point for visitors coming to Tanzania's northern safari circuit, with direct access to world-famous destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. With the resumption of Air France flights, the airport is being upgraded significantly in infrastructure. Expansion strategies, like increased parking capacity and better passenger service, will coordinate activities in a smooth way to improve the overall travel experience. They not just provide space for enhanced tourist trips but also further the long-term agenda of making Tanzania a legendary aviation and tourism hub in the East Africa region.
A Boost to Tourism and Economic Growth
Air France's return to flights to Tanzania is a welcome landmark in fortifying intercontinental] connections between Europe and East Africa. This enhanced accessibility will be sure to spur a wave of European tourists, injecting local businesses, hotels, and tour operators. Besides tourism, the revived route offers greater trade, investment, and diplomatic relations between Tanzania and France. With more tourists discovering the country's unparalleled natural wonders and rich heritage, the impact of Air France's return overflows beyond the aviation sector to benefit Tanzania's general economic and social development. Kilimanjaro International Airport continues to play a pivotal role as a gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including expanded parking facilities, are set to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger traffic resulting from Air France's return.
Community Engagement
The return of Air France has also brought into the limelight social initiatives that increase the interaction between French visitors and local communities. French tourists have demonstrated their readiness to participate in community life in all aspects of charity, as witnessed by the recent donation by a team of French people to refurbish Bashay Primary School in Karatu. Such a contribution is meant to point to the broader social dividend of increased connectivity, as tourism functions as a local development agent, learning, and empowerment. Through such support, the new air connection goes beyond tourism, increasing cultural exchange and sustainable development.
