Taking a step ahead in connecting Saudi Arabia to the world, SAUDIA has commenced direct flights connecting Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Saudi Arabia to Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Tanzania. The airline has deployed it A320 on the route. Tanzania will be SAUDIA’s 14th destination in Africa.
The airline will operate four weekly flights to Tanzania's biggest city on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was celebrated at Jeddah before the flight's first take-off, and souvenirs were offered to the inaugural passengers.
Arved Nikolaus Von Zur Muhlen, Chief Commercial Officer of SAUDIA said: “The expansion of SAUDIA’s 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.”
The aircraft was greeted by a ceremonial water cannon salute at the Dar Es Salaam airport. According to Tanzanian Works and Transport minister, Makame Mbarawa, international travelers Tanzania increased by 55% in 2022 compared to 2021, rising from 1.6 million to over 2.6 million.