August 13, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has granted Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) a Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to begin direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, in a statement, said the move aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and strengthen aviation cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania.
He explained that the permit would streamline procedures, foster smooth interactions between aviation stakeholders, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to deepen regional integration and economic cooperation across West Africa.
“The presentation of the FCOP to Air Tanzania is a significant step in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,” Kana said.
He assured the airline of Nigeria’s readiness to support its operations and urged it to liaise with relevant agencies within the ministry to meet operational requirements.
Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, said the MoU guiding the airline’s operations would require ATCL to upload passenger data into NCAA’s AVITECH portal.
She confirmed that the permit serves as the official authorization for ATCL to commence flights to and from Nigeria.
Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, praised the Nigerian government’s cooperation, describing the country as a “gateway to prosperity for all African nations.”
He noted that limited direct flight links have hindered regional connectivity, adding that the Lagos–Dar es Salaam route would facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.
Kakele confirmed ATCL’s readiness to operate scheduled flights on the route following NCAA’s regulatory inspections in Tanzania.
He disclosed that the airline had secured approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures and requested office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as well as residence permits for its staff.
Iriobe added that a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Tanzania would be signed soon at NCAA’s Abuja headquarters to cement the arrangement.
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