South African Airways (SAA) is set to resume daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, beginning 20 January 2025. This development strengthens regional connectivity and highlights SAA’s commitment to expanding its presence across Africa. According to SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, this route is more than just a travel link; it serves as a crucial bridge connecting two of Africa’s leading economies and unlocking opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.
The relaunch is expected to have a significant impact on the travel and economic markets in the region. Dar es Salaam, East Africa’s largest city by population, is not only an economic hub but also a gateway to popular tourist destinations, including Zanzibar, the Serengeti, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Increased accessibility to the region is likely to boost international tourism inflows, benefiting the hospitality and service industries in both countries.
South Africa’s significant foreign direct investment in Tanzania, especially in sectors such as agriculture, precious metals, chemicals, and machinery, is expected to see growth as businesses leverage this daily connection. The flight relaunch will also provide greater convenience for professionals, traders, and investors travelling between the two countries, promoting bilateral collaboration.
The flight schedule has been designed to cater to both direct and connecting passengers, with daily departures from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at 10pm (SAST), arriving in Dar es Salaam at 2.30am (EAT). Return flights from Dar es Salaam will depart at 5.10am (EAT) and arrive in Johannesburg at 7.55am (SAST).
SAA’s growing regional network has demonstrated strong performance, contributing significantly to the airline’s revenue. This relaunch is part of broader efforts by SAA to consolidate its operations across Africa, complementing expanded services to destinations such as Harare, Lusaka, Lagos, Accra, and Kinshasa. With these developments, SAA is positioning itself as a key player in connecting African markets and enhancing intra-African trade and tourism.
For travellers, this relaunch offers a seamless travel option that strengthens links to Tanzania’s vibrant markets and iconic tourist attractions. Reservations for these flights are open on South African Airways’ official website. Additional information about Dar es Salaam and its attractions can be found through Tanzania Tourism.
By facilitating stronger regional ties, South African Airways is playing a pivotal role in unlocking Africa’s economic potential and enhancing travel convenience for passengers across the continent.
For more details about airport services and flight schedules, visit OR Tambo International Airport and Julius Nyerere International Airport.
