Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and other regional carriers serve Tanzania. They operate key domestic routes such as Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam, as well as international connections. However, dealing with these airlines is not always straightforward. Their websites can be unreliable, sometimes failing to process payments or showing outdated schedules. Online booking may be restricted or unavailable, while phone calls and emails often go unanswered.
For reliability, booking through platforms like Kayak or Skyscanner is often the better choice. These travel search engines are easy to use, compare multiple carriers, and provide a wide range of timing and pricing options. They allow travelers to secure confirmed itineraries quickly without depending on direct airline responses.
Air Tanzania
- Serves 13 domestic and 12 international routes.
- Fleet includes Airbus A220-300s, Boeing 737-Max 9s, Boeing 787-8s, and Dash 8-400s.
- Banned from EU flights since December 2024 due to safety audit failures.
- History of financial instability and operational interruptions.
- Booking directly is difficult: frequent website outages, poor phone and email support.
Precision Air
- Operates domestic and some regional routes. Main hubs are Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro.
- Kenya Airways owns 41% of the airline.
- Facing deep financial losses and questions about long-term stability.
- Mixed passenger reviews:
- Negative: delays, poor communication, hidden stops, overcharging.
- Positive: some smooth flights, quick boarding, and scenic routes.
- Safety record has had setbacks in the past.
Kenya Airways
- Strong international carrier with reliable regional connections to Tanzania.
- Returned to profitability in 2024–2025 after years of losses.
- Financial performance improving under “Project Kifaru.”
- Generally considered dependable for both regional and long-haul travel.
Ethiopian Airlines
- Africa’s largest and strongest airline.
- Extensive global network and member of Star Alliance.
- Consistent reputation for safety, punctuality, and service.
- Booking is reliable through its website or global travel portals.
Other Local Carriers (Flightlink, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation)
Smaller carriers are useful for flexible travelers and safari itineraries, but schedules are less predictable.
Flightlink: about 2.6% of Tanzania’s domestic market. Focus on safari and archipelago routes.
Auric Air: small fleet, serves national parks and Zanzibar.
Coastal Aviation: specializes in bush flights and lodge transfers.
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