Arusha. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) plans to introduce non-stop flights connecting Tanzania with Russia via Moscow later this year.
The action is anticipated to enhance tourism, business travel, and economic connections between the two nations.
The proposed itinerary will link Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Moscow through Seychelles with the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes.
The air transport strategy is one of 12 significant accords finalized between Tanzania and Russia during the Third Session of the Tanzania-Russia Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Collaboration, which took place in Arusha on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
In addition to aviation, the two nations also committed to enhancing collaboration in agriculture, energy, education, science and technology, transportation, logistics, and tourism.
At the meeting, both parties outlined several key areas focused on boosting trade, investment, and economic growth between Tanzania and Russia, with over 22 additional agreements anticipated to be completed and others planned for signing during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to Russia in June of this year.
Following the signing of the initial two agreements, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, mentioned that talks regarding the direct flights are nearing completion, with services anticipated to start before the year’s end.
“At this point, we are in the advanced phase of talks regarding ATCL’s plan to launch direct flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to Moscow, and we anticipate this will lead to a rise in the number of tourists coming to Tanzania,” said Prof Mkumbo.
He mentioned that the flights will be crucial in boosting tourism and trade between the two nations, especially as Russia becomes one of Tanzania’s rapidly expanding tourism markets, particularly for Zanzibar beach vacations and safari travel.
At present, the majority of passengers traveling between Tanzania and Russia use connecting flights provided by carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines.
Prof Mkumbo mentioned that the two nations had also reached an agreement to work together on fertilizer manufacturing, natural gas exploration, nuclear power, and investments in port and transportation facilities.
In the field of education, he mentioned that over 20,000 Tanzanians have pursued their studies in Russia throughout the years, resulting in experts in health, agriculture, and education.
One of the two agreements already finalized is a language collaboration pact that will result in Kiswahili being offered in Russian universities, while the Russian language will also be incorporated into Tanzanian educational systems.
A separate agreement includes Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences collaborating with two Russian organizations in healthcare partnerships and drug manufacturing.
The Russian Minister of Economic Development, Maksim Reshetnikov, stated that commercial relations between Tanzania and Russia have kept expanding, achieving a record high in 2025 following a nearly 20 percent rise.
He mentioned that Russia currently exports fertilizer, wheat, and cooking oil to Tanzania, while importing coffee, tea, tobacco, cashew nuts, and fruits from Tanzania.
The minister stated that collaboration in transportation and infrastructure continues to be essential for boosting trade and investment, highlighting the proposed direct ATCL flights to Moscow as a significant step in enhancing economic ties between the two nations.
From his perspective, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, stated that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to undertake a state visit to Moscow and Saint Petersburg next month, during which she will also participate in the Russian International Business Forum.
He mentioned that the visit highlights the increasing momentum in ties between the two nations and shows their common dedication to enhancing economic diplomacy and broadening interactions among their citizens, organizations, and business sectors.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
