Air Tanzania Launches Dar es Salaam–Kinshasa Route

Air Tanzania is set to enhance regional connectivity with the introduction of a new direct flight route linking Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), starting March 26, 2025. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen intra-African travel by providing efficient, cost-effective air transport options between key economic and cultural hubs. Air Tanzania has launched a new route connecting Dar es Salaam to Kinshasa, enhancing regional connectivity. Travelers can now enjoy improved access while ensuring their Tanzania eVisa is prepared for hassle-free travel.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity

The new Dar es Salaam–Kinshasa route will serve as a crucial link between East and Central Africa. Dar es Salaam, a major economic hub and port city, connects Tanzania to global markets via the Indian Ocean, while Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, is one of Africa’s largest cities and a key center for commerce, governance, and culture.

By introducing this direct route, Air Tanzania aims to facilitate trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Previously, travelers between these cities often had to rely on connecting flights through other African or international hubs, leading to long and costly journeys. With this direct service, travel time will be significantly reduced, enhancing convenience for business professionals, government officials, and tourists alike.

Flight Schedule and Passenger Convenience

Air Tanzania will operate the Dar es Salaam–Kinshasa route four times a week using its Airbus A220-300 aircraft, known for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and operational flexibility.

The airline’s planned schedule is as follows:

This balanced schedule accommodates both business and leisure travelers, offering flexibility for those engaged in trade, corporate travel, and tourism between Tanzania and the DRC.

Economic and Tourism Benefits of the New Route

The new Dar es Salaam–Kinshasa route by Air Tanzania will enhance regional connectivity, with significant economic and tourism advantages to Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As two of Africa's largest economic and cultural hubs, increased air transport between the two nations will facilitate business transactions more easily, improve trade efficiency, and enhance diplomatic relations. Additionally, the direct flights will make traveling convenient for passengers, stimulating exploration of the respective attractions of each of the individual states. The expansion is part of a push to increase intra-African connectivity to spur development in different areas. 

Boosting Trade and Business Opportunities

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich in minerals and natural resources, making it a vital player in the African economy. Meanwhile, Tanzania serves as a regional trade gateway, with Dar es Salaam Port being a major logistics hub for landlocked Central and East African countries. The improved air connectivity between these two economic powerhouses is expected to:

• Enhance business collaborations and investment opportunities.
• Improve the efficiency of cargo transportation and trade.
• Encourage partnerships between Congolese and Tanzanian enterprises.

Enhancing Tourism Between Tanzania and the DRC

This new route also has significant implications for the tourism sector in both countries. Tanzania is renowned for its wildlife and adventure tourism, with attractions such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar’s beaches drawing millions of visitors. Meanwhile, the DRC offers unique eco-tourism experiences, including gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and river excursions along the Congo River.

By providing a direct flight between Dar es Salaam and Kinshasa, Air Tanzania is expected to increase tourist exchange between these nations, making it easier for visitors to explore new destinations without the hassle of multiple stopovers.

Air Tanzania’s Expansion Strategy and Competitive Edge

This new service aligns with Air Tanzania’s aggressive growth strategy to expand its footprint across Africa and beyond. The airline has been investing in fleet modernization, increasing its international destinations, and improving operational efficiency.

Some key elements of its expansion strategy include:

• Fleet Growth: Air Tanzania has been acquiring modern aircraft, including the Airbus A220-300 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, to enhance its service quality and capacity.
• Network Expansion: The airline has recently added new routes to London, Mumbai, Guangzhou, and Johannesburg, strengthening its international presence.
• Intra-African Connectivity: With limited direct flight options between African cities, Air Tanzania is filling a crucial gap by offering more direct services between key destinations.

This new Kinshasa route reinforces Air Tanzania’s commitment to improving intra-African air travel, reducing dependency on international carriers, and making African destinations more accessible.

Implications for African Aviation and Regional Integration

The launch of the Dar es Salaam–Kinshasa route aligns with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, which aims to liberalize air travel across the continent. By increasing direct flights between African cities, airlines like Air Tanzania contribute to:

• Reducing travel costs and time for passengers.
• Encouraging regional business growth and investment.
• Strengthening diplomatic and cultural exchanges between African nations.

In a broader context, better air connectivity supports economic integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services.

A Step Forward for Regional Mobility

With its new Dar es Salaam–Kinshasa route, Air Tanzania is taking a significant step toward improving air travel within Africa. The direct service will provide greater convenience, boost economic cooperation, and promote tourism between Tanzania and the DRC.

As the airline continues its expansion, it is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s aviation industry, bridging gaps between major African cities and supporting the continent’s vision for better connectivity and economic integration.

For travelers, business professionals, and tourism stakeholders, this new route marks a positive change in how people move across Africa—making travel faster, easier, and more affordable within the region.