Belgian carrier’s direct flights to KIA, a boost to Tanzania’s tourism, trade ties with Europe

DAR ES SALAAM: BELGIAN carrier, Brussels Airlines is set to launch direct flights between Brussels and Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) starting June 3, 2026, in a move expected to boost Tanzania’s tourism, trade and investment ties with Europe.

The airline will operate the route twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday, offering travellers from Belgium and neighbouring European countries easier access to Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The introduction of the direct flights is expected to widen travel options, reduce travel time and create competitive airfares for passengers travelling between Tanzania and Europe.

The development also signals growing diplomatic and economic relations between Tanzania and Belgium, which have maintained formal ties for more than five decades.

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Belgium remains one of Tanzania’s strategic trade partners, particularly in agricultural exports and minerals, and is among the few European countries where the balance of trade favours Tanzania.

Stakeholders say the direct air link will ease transportation of export products such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and fish fillets to Belgium and neighbouring European markets, creating fresh opportunities for Tanzanian traders and exporters.

In the tourism sector, Belgium has continued to contribute a growing number of visitors to Tanzania, with tourist arrivals rising from about 9,000 in 2018 to over 18,000 in 2024.

The new Brussels-KIA route is expected to simplify travel for Belgian tourists seeking to visit Tanzania’s globally renowned attractions and strengthen the country’s position as a preferred tourism destination in Africa.

The achievement has been attributed to ongoing efforts by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with friendly nations through reforms, infrastructure development and promotion of economic diplomacy.

Businesspeople and tourism stakeholders have meanwhile been urged to take advantage of the new route to expand exports, attract more visitors and maximise opportunities emerging from improved air connectivity between Tanzania and Europe.