Tanzania Launches Direct Cargo Flight Connecting Dar es Salaam and Dubai, Boosting Trade Opportunities
A groundbreaking direct cargo flight service has been launched, connecting Tanzania and Dubai, promising to revolutionize trade logistics for Tanzanian businesses and exporters. The weekly flight, operating with a B737-800 freighter capable of carrying up to 20 tonnes per trip, marks a significant milestone in the country’s international trade capabilities.
Previously, Tanzanian traders, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, faced challenges in transporting goods, relying on expensive and inefficient shipping alternatives. The new dedicated cargo route offers a direct and reliable solution for importing and exporting goods between Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates.
The service is expected to provide substantial benefits across multiple sectors, particularly for agricultural producers, farmers, and exporters of perishable goods. By significantly reducing transit times and transportation costs, the cargo flight opens new market opportunities for high-value and time-sensitive products.
Recent trade data indicates bilateral trade between Tanzania and the UAE has already reached $2.3 billion in 2023, with the UAE ranking among Tanzania’s top five global trading partners. Experts predict this new cargo service will further accelerate economic growth and trade volumes.
The cargo flight aligns with Tanzania’s broader strategic objectives to establish Dar es Salaam as a regional logistics and trade hub. This initiative complements ongoing infrastructure developments, including airport expansions and the Standard Gauge Railway project, which aims to create seamless connectivity across East and Central Africa.
Initially operating on a weekly schedule, the cargo service is set to increase flight frequency based on market demand, signaling a promising future for Tanzania’s international trade capabilities.
