Air Tanzania eyes Ghana market following surge in Accra- Zanzibar tours | By Priscilla Mba | Air Tanzania, the national airline of Tanzania, has set its sights on commencing direct flights to Accra, Ghana, in the months ahead.
The airline, which currently serves 14 domestic and international destinations from its hub at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is seeking to deepen its Pan-African footprints.
Ghana is seen as an ideal destination in West Africa owing to its competitive aviation market and the growing number of tourists visiting Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa.
Passengers originating their flights to Zanzibar currently have limited options and must either use Nairobi-based Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, or travel via Kigali on RwandAir
His Excellency Selestine Kakele, High Commissioner-Designate of Tanzania to Ghana, with residence in Abuja, Nigeria, noted that Air Tanzania’s decision to commence flights to Accra underscores the longstanding cordial relations between Ghana and Tanzania, built on shared history, independence struggles, economic cooperation, and a common commitment to Pan-Africanism.
He added that the new air link presents an important opportunity for both nations to strengthen their roles in advancing regional connectivity and continental integration.
GCAA Validates Air Tanzania’s AOC
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority ( GCAA) has validated the Foreign Air Operator Certificate of Air Tanzania.
The validation of Air Tanzania’s AOC by the GCAA now permits the East Africa-based airline to conduct commercial air transport operations within the country’s airspace.
It confirms that the airline complies with the host country’s safety regulatory requirements, in addition to those of its home country.
The Authorisation Certificate for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods attests to the airline’s compliance with international standards for the safe handling, packaging, and transportation of dangerous goods by air.
Rev. Wilfred S. Arthur, Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority ( GCAA), expressed delight at Air Tanzania’s entry into Ghana’s aviation market, noting that it aligns with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to enhance air connectivity within the African subregion.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to revive a national airline and to develop the Ho Airport into a premier training hub for pilots, cabin crew, and other aviation professionals.
He further noted that Air Tanzania’s operations in Ghana are consistent with the objectives of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship project under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. SAATM seeks to establish a single unified air transport market across Africa, fostering aviation liberalisation, promoting economic integration, and facilitating increased intra-African trade and tourism.
More Travel options, cheaper fares
Mercy Akaliga-Wemah, the team lead of Travel Planners, one of the major travel and tour companies that specializes in organizing multiple trips per year to Zanzibar, said in an interview with AviationGhana: “A direct flight between Ghana and Tanzania is definitely a game changer. This will significantly improve travel time and connect Accra travelers to Zanzibar with fewer stops, making weekend escapes more feasible and opening up more package options (flights + beach stays + excursions). That convenience will boost the number of visitors to Tanzania and Zanzibar.”
Air Tanzania eyes Ghana market following surge in Accra- Zanzibar tours | Send all enquiries and press releases to Aviationghana.info@gmail.com
