Business
South African Airways Resumes Tanzania Flights After Five-Year Hiatus

South African Airways (SAA) has announced the resumption of its flights to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, starting Monday, after a five-year break. This decision marks a strategic milestone for the airline as it continues its regional expansion strategy following successful restructuring efforts.
Strategic Importance of Tanzania Flights
SAA’s Interim CEO, John Mamola, emphasized the significance of reinstating this route, citing the extensive South African investments in Tanzania.
“This move is set to enhance business travel and strengthen trade links between South Africa and Tanzania, fostering economic cooperation,” Mamola stated.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s economic hub, represents a vital gateway for regional trade and business. The resumption of daily flights aligns with SAA’s broader objective to support intra-African connectivity.
SAA’s Restructuring Success
SAA’s return to Tanzania comes on the heels of the airline achieving its first profit in over a decade, a significant turnaround following years of financial distress. The airline underwent comprehensive restructuring in 2021, which involved:
- Operational Streamlining: Cutting unprofitable routes and optimizing services.
- Government Support: Urgent financial intervention to stabilize operations.
- Regional Focus: Prioritizing high-potential routes to drive recovery and growth.
The reinstatement of the Dar es Salaam route is viewed as a testament to the airline’s recovery and commitment to facilitating regional trade and travel.
South Africa-Tanzania Aviation Links Revived
The resumption of flights by SAA follows Air Tanzania’s return to South Africa in November, after a similar five-year hiatus. Air Tanzania had suspended flights to South Africa in 2019 due to legal issues that led to one of its planes being detained in Johannesburg.
The diplomatic strain caused by this incident disrupted air travel between the two countries, affecting tourism, business travel, and trade relations. With both airlines now operational, connectivity between South Africa and Tanzania is poised for significant growth.
SAA’s return to Dar es Salaam is expected to provide travelers and businesses with a reliable and efficient option for regional connectivity. This move strengthens the economic ties between the two nations and highlights SAA’s ambition to reclaim its position as a leading African carrier.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com