FROM THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER IN OMAN
Air Tanzania has launched direct scheduled flights between Dar es Salaam and Muscat, Oman, opening a new travel option for tourists, business people and Tanzanians living and working in the Gulf state.
The inaugural flight departed Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) on Saturday, July 25, 2026 and was welcomed at Muscat International Airport early the following morning with a ceremonial water salute. Senior government and aviation officials from Tanzania and Oman attended the launch.
Air Tanzania will operate the service three times a week. Flights will leave Dar es Salaam every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:00 pm, arriving here at 2.20 am the following morning.
Return services will depart Muscat every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3.50 am, travelling to Zanzibar through Dar es Salaam and arriving in Zanzibar at approximately 9.20am.
The airline has announced special introductory fares starting at US400 for a one−way ticket and US600 for a return ticket. The promotional prices are subject to seat availability and the applicable booking conditions.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Oman, Maulidah Bwanakheir Hassan, described the route as an important development in the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
“This route symbolises the transformation of our historical relationship into a contemporary partnership built on connectivity, commerce and shared prosperity,” she said.
She said the direct service would make travel faster and more affordable for thousands of Tanzanians living in Oman, while also supporting business, government and academic exchanges between the two countries.
Nassor Hassan Gaamatatu, a representative of Tanzania Tourism, said the service would make Zanzibar and other Tanzanian destinations more accessible to travellers from Oman.
Air Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ulanga, said the new route supported Tanzania’s tourism ambitions and would improve connections between the people and business communities of the two countries. He said the airline expected the service to attract more Omani visitors to Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Oman Airports Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nasser Al Sharji, described the launch as a “significant step” towards improving air connectivity between Oman and Tanzania. He said the route would facilitate tourism, trade and investment while strengthening Muscat International Airport’s position as a regional gateway.
However, Air Tanzania will face competition from Oman Air, the Sultanate’s national carrier, which already serves Tanzania through its Muscat-Zanzibar-Dar es Salaam route.
Under the published schedule for late July 2026, Oman Air operates eight flights a week: Daytime services on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and overnight services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The flights generally land in Zanzibar before continuing to Dar es Salaam, meaning Oman Air serves Tanzania every day of the week, with two services on Tuesdays.
