Air Tanzania
Tanzania’s government-owned flag carrier, linking a broad domestic network with regional African services and selected long-haul routes from Dar es Salaam.
About Air Tanzania
Air Tanzania was established in 1977 after the dissolution of East African Airways and serves as the national airline of Tanzania. It is owned by the Tanzanian government and operates scheduled passenger and cargo services under the Air Tanzania name. Its IATA code is TC, while its familiar giraffe branding reflects the carrier’s national identity and tourism role.
The airline’s primary hub is Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Its network covers important Tanzanian cities and tourism gateways, including Dodoma, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, alongside regional destinations in eastern, central, western and southern Africa. Longer international services connect Tanzania with cities such as Mumbai and Guangzhou, although routes and frequencies may change seasonally.
Air Tanzania operates a mixed fleet suited to short domestic sectors and intercontinental flying. Its aircraft families include De Havilland Dash 8 turboprops, Airbus A220-300s, Boeing 737 MAX 9s and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, plus a Boeing 767 freighter. Passenger aircraft generally offer Economy Class, while selected types and routes also provide a Business Class cabin.
Air Tanzania does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or oneworld. Its own frequent-flyer programme, Twiga Miles, allows members to earn points on eligible Air Tanzania flights and redeem them under the programme’s rules. Membership tiers provide progressively greater recognition and benefits, but travellers should confirm current earning rates and eligibility before booking partner or promotional fares.
A major strength is the combination of extensive domestic coverage and direct links beyond Africa, which can simplify itineraries involving Tanzania’s commercial centres and tourism regions. The varied fleet also lets the airline match aircraft to routes of very different lengths. However, its network is smaller and schedules can be less frequent than those of major global carriers, so missed connections or timetable changes may leave fewer alternatives. Allowing a sensible connection margin in Dar es Salaam is advisable.
Good to know
Flying with Air Tanzania — what to expect
Check Your Fare
Baggage entitlements can differ between domestic and international journeys and by cabin. Confirm the allowance printed on your ticket before travelling.
Mixed Aircraft Fleet
Air Tanzania uses turboprops on some shorter sectors and jets on busier or longer routes. Cabin layout, Business Class availability and onboard amenities therefore vary by aircraft.
Allow Connection Time
Leave a comfortable margin when connecting through Dar es Salaam, particularly between domestic and international flights. Less-frequent routes may offer limited recovery options after a disruption.
Join Twiga Miles
Travellers who expect to fly Air Tanzania regularly can join Twiga Miles and earn points on eligible fares. Check the programme rules because earning and redemption conditions depend on the ticket.
Verify Live Schedules
Some international services operate only on selected days and the network can change. Recheck the timetable and flight status close to departure.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air Tanzania
Notable destinations on Air Tanzania's network.
TCDar es SalaamdirectTCDodomadirectTCZanzibardirectTCKilimanjarodirectTCMwanzadirectTCNairobidirectTCJohannesburgdirectTCCape TowndirectTCEntebbedirectTCLagosdirectTCMumbaidirectTCGuangzhoudirectDestination list is indicative of Air Tanzania's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Tanzania
Other airlines based in Tanzania
FAQ
Air Tanzania — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Fares are generally lowest when booked in advance and outside major holiday, festival and peak safari periods. Comparing nearby dates and less-frequent weekday departures can reveal lower prices.
- Dar es Salaam to Guangzhou is generally Air Tanzania’s longest scheduled nonstop route by distance. Services and routings can change, so confirm the current timetable when booking.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the displayed flight price.
- Air Tanzania permits cabin baggage subject to weight and size restrictions, with the applicable allowance depending on the fare and route. Check the current baggage page and your ticket for the exact dimensions and limit before departure.
- Air Tanzania serves destinations across Tanzania as well as cities elsewhere in Africa, India and China. Notable routes include Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Mumbai and Guangzhou, subject to current schedules.
- Air Tanzania’s primary hub is Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. The airport is the main connecting point for its domestic, regional and long-haul services.
- Air Tanzania’s official destination directory lists about 29 destinations. The total can change as seasonal services are added, suspended or rescheduled, so travellers should consult the airline’s current booking timetable.
- Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is its principal departure and connecting airport. Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and Mwanza are also important points within the domestic network.