The Federal Government has officially presented the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), paving the way for the airline to commence direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos.
The presentation took place at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, ministry official Ahmed Mohammed said the permit would improve operational efficiency, safety, and cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania.
“The presentation of FCOP to Air Tanzania Company Limited is a significant step in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,” Kana stated.
He said the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for stronger regional integration and urged ATCL to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure smooth operations.
Next Steps and Regulatory Conditions
The Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, confirmed that the two countries will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The MoU will require ATCL to upload all passenger data into NCAA’s AVITECH portal.
Iriobe added that the FCOP grants ATCL the legal authorization to operate flights in and out of Nigeria.
The United Republic of Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, thanked Nigeria for its cooperation, describing the country as “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations.” He stressed that the partnership would help address Africa’s poor regional connectivity.
Flight Launch Plans
Kakele revealed that NCAA had already issued ATCL a Document of Authorization, Condition, and Limitation after a rigorous base inspection in Tanzania. He confirmed the airline has received approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures and appealed for office space at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, as well as residence permits for staff.
ATCL is now set to launch scheduled direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos once final operational arrangements are completed.
