- Saudia Airlines launches direct flights to/from Tanzania
- Saudia Airlines direct flights to Tanzania less than 5 hours
- According to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, the number of international travellers to Tanzania increased by 55 percent in 2022
Saudia Airlines on Sunday 26th March made its maiden flight to Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, cutting travel time and reducing travel costs to the Kingdom by more than half.
This inaugural flight by the Saudi Arabian carrier marked the start of direct flights to and from Jeddah to Dar es Salaam four times a week. With the commencement of these direct flights, travel time between the two countries has been cut down by more than half.
Before the Air Saudia direct flights, passengers had to endure a flight time of up to 10 hours. Now, the same distance will be covered in only 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Thanks to Air Saudia direct flights, travel time from Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam to King Abdulazz International Airport in Jeddah will be less than 5 hours, significantly reducing not only the flight time but the cost of travel as well.
The Air Saudia plane received the traditional water salute when it landed in Dar es Salaam a little after 6 AM with eight passengers aboard including the crew. Later on the same day, the plane made its maiden return flight to Jeddah this time with 61 passengers onboard.
Upon landing in Dar es Salaam, the 180-seater Airbus A320 was received by Tanzania Works and Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa. The Minister said the direct flights between the two countries will boost the number of international travelers for business, leisure and tourism alike.
He said the reduced flight time is expected to significantly increase travel and trade between the two countries. As a result, the two countries will enjoy increased economic and bilateral relations.
According to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, the number of international travelers to Tanzania increased by 55 percent in 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 and the new direct flights to Saudi Arabia will only increase this number by many more folds.
“Over the last year alone, the number of travelers grew from 1.694 million to 2.618 million…the coming of a new operator is a vote of confidence in the country’s business environment,” the Miniter said.
“This is as a result of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s effort of opening up the country through economic diplomacy, which has seen the aviation sector adding Saudi airlines to the list of international flight landing into Tanzania,” the minister said.
The minister said; “The president visited Saudi Arabia last year, and today (yesterday), we are seeing the results of the visit. The beginning of direct air from Saudi Arabia will significantly boost the number of international travelers to Tanzania.”
Likewise, the minister explained the resulting multiplier effect of the direct flight noting that now, passengers from neighboring countries will come to Tanzania to enjoy the direct to Saudi Arabia.
“Apart from having strong bilateral relationship and increasing the number of travelers to and from Tanzania, thousands of Muslim pilgrims will now be able to travel to Saudi Arabia cost-effectively,” the minister said pointing out yet another significant socio-economic and religious benefit of the direct flight.
“This brings huge relief for pilgrims,” he said citing reduced expenses and travel time.
In his remarks, the Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia, Mr. Arved Nikolaus Von Zur Muhlen, said: “The expansion of Saudia operations and the launch of new direct flights to Dar es Salaam strengthen the relations between the Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania, and will provide a seamless experience for Hajj and Umrah guests from Tanzania.”
“In alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective of increasing the number of visitors to Saudi Arabia, international expansion is vital to help achieve that goal. SAUDIA is continuously working to reach new destinations and improve guests’ experiences,” he said.
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Saudi Arabia-Tanzania trade relations
Present at the event was Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation Ambassador Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk. He took the opportunity to highlight the long-standing relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Tanzania.
He also cited the growing economic relations which he said in the last fiscal year alone, Tanzania exported goods worth 18 million US dollars to Saudi Arabia and imported goods worth 52 million US dollars.
“With the introduction of the direct scheduled flight linking the two countries, the trade will increase even further,” he said pinpointing exports to Saudi Arabia to comprise fruits, meat, and horticulture. On the other hand, Tanzania’s imports from the Kingdom are mostly oil, building materials, fertilizers and medical supplies
Air Saudia now has 25 global destinations
The Air Saudia direct flights to Tanzania are part of the ongoing implementation of Air Saudia Group’s operational plans. The Group plans to fly to 25 new international destinations across three continents around the world.
This announcement is part of air Air Saudia’s strategic plans to open up the Kingdom to the world. Tanzania is now part of Air Saudi’s extensive global route network which exceeds 100 destinations across four continents, the airline’s authorities report.
“Air Saudia’s new route will further utilize the airline’s extensive fleet of 142 aircraft, catering to guests with a range of convenient check-in methods, high-quality onboard services, and a comfortable flight experience that underlines the flag carrier’s commitment to excellence,” the airline announced.
In its press release at the onset of the new flight route, Air Saudia reported that the inaugural SAUDIA flight SV 463, from Jeddah to Dar es Salaam departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 1:15 AM and landed at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania just 5 hours later at 6.15 AM.
“A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the departure gate to commemorate this occasion and souvenirs were distributed to the departing guests,” the report said.
To honour the Air Saudia direct flights to Tanzania, a celebration took place at the Alfursan International Lounge in the presence of the Consul General of the Republic of Tanzania in Jeddah, Mr. Habibu Awesi Mohamed, and the Chief Commercial Officer of SAUDIA, Mr. Arved Nikolaus Von Zur Muhlen, as well as representatives from the government authorities operating at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
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