Oman route unlocks new opportunities

MUSCAT: TANZANIA and Oman are set to significantly boost trade, tourism and cross-border investment following the launch of direct Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) flights between Dar es Salaam and Muscat.

The new route, inaugurated over the weekend at Muscat International Airport, is expected to enhance air connectivity, ease business mobility, and spur tourist arrivals under the national ‘Tanzania Unforgettable’ campaign.

Speaking in Muscat, the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Chande, said the direct flights mark a new major milestone in relations between the two nations.

“Today, we are not simply launching a new flight route. We are inaugurating a bridge connecting two nations with centuries of shared history rooted in maritime trade, cultural heritage and enduring friendship,” Mr Chande said.

He said the route will strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

“From today, Oman becomes one of Tanzania’s strategic tourism markets because of our shared history, the travel preferences of Omani visitors and the opportunities created by this direct connection,” he said.

Mr Chande said the government’s priority is not only to increase tourist arrivals but also to ensure tourism generates greater economic benefits for Tanzanians.

He noted that Tanzania received 15,111 visitors from Oman in 2025, expressing confidence that the number will rise significantly with the introduction of direct flights.

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A tourism stakeholder, Thomas Mdinka described Oman as a strategic market, citing the countries’ strong historical, cultural and linguistic ties.

“We were surprised to find many people speaking Kiswahili. The shared culture makes Oman an important tourism market for Tanzania,” he said.

Meijo Safari tour operator, Daudi Mollel said the route will strengthen partnerships between Tanzanian tour operators and Omani travel agents while making travel more convenient.

“The direct flight removes the inconvenience of connecting flights, making travel easier for tourists and expanding opportunities for our tourism industry,” he said.

ATCL will operate three weekly flights between Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Muscat International Airport.