Dar es Salaam Expands India and Indian Ocean Connectivity as Air Tanzania Introduces Daily Mumbai Flights and Advances Seychelles Network Growth

Image generated with Ai

Dar es Salaam, Mumbai, Zanzibar and Seychelles are becoming more closely connected as Air Tanzania accelerates its international growth strategy through expanded services to India and the Indian Ocean region. The airline has officially upgraded its Dar es Salaam–Mumbai route to daily operations while simultaneously advancing plans to strengthen connectivity with Seychelles, reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a growing aviation gateway in East Africa.

The developments highlight Air Tanzania’s efforts to expand international reach, respond to increasing passenger demand and create new tourism and business travel opportunities across key regional and intercontinental markets.

For tourism stakeholders, airlines and travel professionals, the expansion reflects broader changes in African aviation as carriers increasingly develop direct routes linking major economic and leisure destinations without relying heavily on external transit hubs.

Daily Mumbai Flights Reflect Strong Passenger Demand

Air Tanzania’s decision to increase its Mumbai service from four weekly flights to a daily operation follows strong performance on the route.

The airline carried nearly 70,000 passengers on the route during 2025, demonstrating growing demand between Tanzania and India.

The service has become increasingly important for travellers moving between the two countries for:

• Business travel
• Medical tourism
• Education
• Family visits
• Leisure tourism

Under the new schedule, flights depart Dar es Salaam at approximately 20:20 and arrive in Mumbai at 04:20 the following morning, providing passengers with improved travel flexibility and more convenient onward connections.

The frequency increase also offers travel agencies and tour operators greater scheduling options when developing travel packages linking East Africa and South Asia.

India-Tanzania Travel Links Continue to Strengthen

The Mumbai route reflects broader economic and tourism ties between India and Tanzania.

India remains one of Tanzania’s key trading partners, while cultural, educational and business relationships between the two countries continue to expand.

Direct air connectivity plays an important role in supporting these connections by reducing travel times and simplifying passenger journeys.

For tourism, the route opens additional opportunities for Indian travellers interested in:

• Safari tourism
• Wildlife experiences
• Beach holidays
• Adventure travel
• Cultural tourism

At the same time, Tanzanian travellers gain improved access to India’s commercial, healthcare and educational sectors.

Seychelles Expansion Strengthens Indian Ocean Tourism

Alongside its Indian growth strategy, Air Tanzania is also introducing services to the Seychelles.

The route strengthens links between mainland East Africa and one of the region’s most recognised island tourism destinations.

For the travel industry, connectivity between Tanzania and the Seychelles creates opportunities for multi-destination tourism products that combine:

• Safari experiences
• Beach tourism
• Cultural attractions
• Luxury travel
• Nature-based tourism

The development aligns with a wider trend in African aviation where airlines increasingly connect mainland destinations with island markets to support tourism diversification and regional travel growth.

For travellers, the route provides additional options for combining multiple destinations within a single itinerary.

Air Tanzania Builds a Broader International Network

The airline’s ambitions extend beyond Mumbai and the Seychelles.

Air Tanzania already operates international services to destinations across Africa and Asia, including routes to China through Guangzhou.

The carrier has gradually expanded its network by strengthening regional connectivity before moving into larger international markets.

This phased approach has enabled the airline to build operational experience while responding to demand patterns across different travel segments.

As additional routes are introduced, Air Tanzania continues positioning itself as an increasingly important player within East African aviation.

Dar es Salaam Emerges as a Regional Gateway

A central component of Air Tanzania’s strategy is the development of Julius Nyerere International Airport as a major regional aviation hub.

The airport serves as the airline’s primary gateway and supports growing passenger flows between Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

Additional support comes from:

• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport

Together, these airports form the backbone of Tanzania’s aviation infrastructure and support tourism flows into some of the country’s most important destinations.

The growth of these gateways may help improve accessibility for both domestic and international visitors.

Tourism Benefits From Expanded Connectivity

Tourism remains one of the sectors most likely to benefit from Air Tanzania’s expansion.

Improved flight frequencies and new international routes can enhance destination accessibility while encouraging visitor growth.

For Tanzania, stronger connectivity supports access to attractions including:

• The Serengeti
• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Zanzibar beaches
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Coastal tourism destinations

The ability to connect these experiences with new international source markets strengthens the country’s tourism proposition.

Travel businesses can also benefit from greater flexibility when building itineraries that combine multiple destinations across East Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Ambitious Growth Targets Shape Future Expansion

Air Tanzania has outlined plans to continue expanding its destination network significantly in the coming years.

Reports indicate that the airline aims to grow towards a network of 47 destinations, supported by broader commercial and operational objectives.

The carrier has also established ambitious revenue targets while continuing investments in fleet development, service quality and network growth.

After carrying more than 1.1 million passengers during 2024, the airline continues to build momentum as it seeks a larger role within the African aviation sector.

The combination of route expansion, infrastructure development and increased connectivity positions the airline for further growth.

Key Statistics

• Mumbai service upgraded from four weekly flights to daily operations.
• Nearly 70,000 passengers travelled on the Mumbai route in 2025.
• Air Tanzania served more than 1.1 million passengers during 2024.
• Airline targeting a network of 47 destinations.
• Seychelles added as part of wider international expansion plans.

Chronological Tracker

2024 – Air Tanzania carries more than 1.1 million passengers.

2025 – Mumbai route records nearly 70,000 passengers.

2026 – Daily Mumbai flights introduced.

2026 – Seychelles services added as part of network expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Air Tanzania increase Mumbai flights?

Strong passenger demand and growing travel links between Tanzania and India supported the move to daily operations.

How does Seychelles fit into the airline’s strategy?

The route strengthens Indian Ocean connectivity and supports multi-destination tourism opportunities.

What are Air Tanzania’s future plans?

The airline aims to expand towards a network of 47 destinations while strengthening international connectivity.

Important Dates

2025 – The Mumbai route serves nearly 70,000 passengers.

2026 – Daily Mumbai operations and Seychelles expansion announced.

Conclusion

Air Tanzania’s decision to introduce daily Mumbai flights and expand into Seychelles marks another important step in the airline’s international development strategy. By strengthening links between East Africa, South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the carrier is improving accessibility for tourists, business travellers and regional passengers alike. Supported by growing demand, expanding infrastructure and ambitious network goals, Air Tanzania is positioning Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro as increasingly important gateways within Africa’s evolving aviation landscape.