South African Airways (SAA) will resume daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, starting 20 January 2025.
The route re-establishes a vital connection between two key regional hubs, fostering economic, logistical, and tourism links.
Strategic expansion across Africa
Dar es Salaam, East Africa’s largest city, serves as a critical gateway to the region’s popular tourist attractions and a hub for trade and logistics. SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Tebogo Tsimane, highlighted the importance of the relaunch: “The relaunch of this route represents our latest strategic initiative to strengthen our presence across our beloved continent.”
He added, “Tanzania is a key trading partner for South Africa. SAA’s daily direct flights to Dar es Salaam will bolster the bilateral relationship and enhance the economic partnership between our two nations.”
Daily flight schedule announced
The inaugural flight will depart OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 22:00 (SAST) on 20 January 2025, arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, at 02:30 (EAT). The return flight will depart Dar es Salaam at 05:10 (EAT) and land in Johannesburg at 07:55 (SAST). This schedule will operate daily, accommodating both direct and connecting passengers.
Expanding the regional network
SAA’s relaunch of the Dar es Salaam route is part of a broader expansion strategy across Africa. The airline has increased frequencies to several destinations:
- Harare (Zimbabwe): 12 flights per week
- Lusaka (Zambia): 7 flights per week
- Lagos (Nigeria) and Accra (Ghana): 4 flights per week
- Kinshasa and Lubumbashi (DRC): 5 flights per week
- Mauritius: twice daily
SAA will further enhance its global network with an increase in flights to Perth, Australia, to five times weekly starting 7 January 2025.
Strengthening trade and tourism ties
South Africa remains a significant source of foreign direct investment in Tanzania, with strong trade in agricultural products, precious metals, chemicals, and machinery. The relaunch of the Dar es Salaam route will strengthen these ties while providing a seamless connection for tourists and business travellers.
