Air Tanzania Launches Direct Flights to Seychelles Amid Africa Tourist Boom

Expanding Seychelles Connectivity

Air Tanzania (TC), the East African nation's flagship carrier, launched direct service between Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) in mid-April 2026. The new route provides the first non-stop connectivity between mainland Tanzania and the Seychelles island nation, reducing travel time from 3+ hours to approximately 2 hours direct.

The route operates with Air Tanzania's Boeing 787 Dreamliner offering 254 seats in a two-class configuration (12 business, 242 economy). Initial scheduling includes 3-4 weekly frequencies with plans to increase to daily service by Q4 2026 based on demand.

Market Context

East Africa has seen accelerating tourism growth post-pandemic:

Seychelles received 350,000+ tourists in 2025, up 40% from 2024
Tanzania maintains 1.5+ million annual visitors focused on safari and Mount Kilimanjaro
Regional travel demand growing 18-22% annually

The direct Dar-Seychelles route captures both leisure tourism and business travel, shortening connections for travelers throughout Tanzania and Central Africa.

Competitive Impact

Kenya Airways previously dominated this route through Nairobi connections. Air Tanzania's direct service offers:

Direct routing with no connection hassles
Competitive pricing on single-ticket itineraries
Reduced journey time
Direct currency/payment benefits for Tanzanian travelers

Financial Impact

Air Tanzania expects the route to generate approximately USD 15-20 million annual revenue based on conservative load factors of 75-80% and average fares of USD 180-220.

FAQ

Q: What's the flight time?
A: Approximately 2 hours direct from Dar es Salaam to Seychelles.

Q: How many flights per week?
A: Initially 3-4 weekly, expanding to daily service by Q4 2026.

Q: What aircraft operates this route?
A: Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 254 total seats.

Q: Can I connect from outside Tanzania?
A: Air Tanzania offers connections through Dar es Salaam hub from other East African cities and international destinations.

External Resources

East African Tourism Boom: Flight Connectivity Expansion

Seychelles Travel Guide for 2026

Disclaimer: Route information is current as of April 2026 and subject to change. Verify schedules and fares directly with Air Tanzania before booking.