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Air Tanzania Starts Direct Dar es Salaam–Lagos–Accra Flights, Strengthening East–West Connections

Air Tanzania Starts Direct Dar es Salaam–Lagos–Accra Flights, Strengthening East–West Connections

James Miller, LocalsRide.com
by 
James Miller, LocalsRide.com
5 minutes read
News

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February 19, 2026

Air Tanzania has launched the inaugural Dar es Salaam–Lagos–Accra service, immediately adding a scheduled passenger connection that links Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) with West African hubs—opening new corridors for both people and light cargo movements across the continent.

Operational and logistical implications

The new route delivers measurable capacity between East and West Africa, improving route connectivity that supports passenger transfers, multi-stop itineraries and potential interline freight flows. By establishing regular lift between Tanzania and Ghana via Nigeria, the service reduces the need for multi-leg backtracking through foreign hubs and shortens effective transit times for business travellers and tourists.

At a glance

AspectImmediate effectTransfer & taxi impact
New direct connectivityMore routing options for passengers and small cargoHigher demand for airport taxis and intercity transfers
Tourism flowsIncreased arrivals to both Ghana and TanzaniaMore bookings for meet-and-greet and private car services
Business travelSimplified itineraries for trade delegationsGreater requirement for point-to-point chauffeur services

Strategic benefits for regional integration

Officials highlighted that this link aligns with AfCFTA objectives by facilitating easier movement of people and potentially goods. Economically, the route can act as a catalyst for bilateral meetings, cultural exchange and small-scale trade between East and West African cities—factors that can incrementally improve route profitability and stimulate supporting services at airports and downtown terminals.

What this means for travellers and the local transfer market

For travellers, the immediate upside is a simpler multi-destination itinerary: fly into Accra, continue to Lagos for business, then connect to Dar es Salaam without routing through European hubs. For the taxi and transfers sector, expect the following:

  • Peak demand windows: arrival spikes at DAR, LOS and ACC will create predictable taxi and private transfer demand.
  • Vehicle mix needs: greater interest in private sedans, 6–8 seater vans for group tourism and occasional limousine services for delegations.
  • Driver readiness: more cross-border travellers will request English-speaking drivers familiar with visa, customs and transit procedures.

Practical tips for booking transfers

  • Reserve airport transfers in advance to secure exact pickup times and vehicle types.
  • Verify driver license and provider ratings, especially for long intercity trips.
  • Confirm luggage capacity and seat configuration if travelling with equipment or family.

Operational considerations for transfer providers

Taxi and transfer operators should review vehicle availability by route, consider dynamic pricing during launch promotional windows, and coordinate with hotels and tour operators to capture multi-leg passengers. Transparency on fares, real-time tracking and clear cancellation policies will be decisive advantages in converting arriving passengers into booked rides.

Priority opportunities and risks

  • Opportunities: growth in airport pickup volume, expansion of private-transfer packages, niche routes connecting secondary destinations.
  • Risks: seasonal fluctuations, regulatory or slot limitations, and initial coordination challenges for luggage-forwarding and goods.

The launch event in Accra, attended by Ghana’s Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, reinforced tourism promotion on both sides: invitations for East Africans to explore Ghana’s heritage and for Ghanaians to visit Tanzania’s national parks were paired with a commercial message about enabling smoother travel.

Highlights include the route’s potential to unlock multi-destination tourism and business travel across major African cities, improved airport-to-city transfer flows, and new opportunities for private drivers and transfer companies to offer tailored services. Nevertheless, the reality of how much this will change traveller behaviour will be best judged by direct experience—online reviews and feedback are helpful, but nothing replaces personal trips. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide rande of additional options provided by LocalsRide.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of this article. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

Short-term forecasts suggest limited global disruption—this service is an important regional connector rather than a major shift in international aviation. However, it is relevant to travel platforms and transfer providers that track route openings and adapt their fleets. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of LocalsRide.

In summary, the new Air Tanzania Dar es Salaam–Lagos–Accra link provides immediate benefits for cross-continental routing, tourism and business travel while creating tangible demand for airport taxis, private transfers and multi-seater vehicles. Travellers should book exact pickup times, check fares and choose the right car and seat configuration to match their itinerary. Drivers and companies can capitalise by offering licensed, well-rated services through transparent platforms; the best results come when fare, price and service details are clear in advance so travellers know how much to expect to pay and which vehicle they will get. Whether you need a cheap cab, a private limousine, a 6-seater van or a chauffeur for airport transfers, the right preparation will save time and money and make the destination experience smoother. LocalsRide supports this by offering transparency on vehicle make, model and ratings, letting you book the exact service you want for airport drop-offs, city transfers or longer intercity rides.