Air Tanzania Receives FCOP as Nigeria and Tanzania Strengthen Regional Aviation Links

In a significant step towards fostering greater regional connectivity, Nigeria has presented the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL).

The ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by key aviation stakeholders and government officials, underscoring the importance of the partnership.

Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the initiative would enhance operational efficiency, safety, and collaboration between the Nigerian and Tanzanian aviation sectors.

The presentation of the FCOP, he explained, is aimed at aligning operations with international best practices, ensuring seamless interactions between the two countries, and strengthening the regional aviation landscape.

Represented by Ahmed Tijani Mohammed, Kana noted that the FCOP would standardize operational procedures, making it easier for Air Tanzania to begin flights in and out of Nigeria.

“This presentation is a significant step in our efforts to promote aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,” he stated.

The move is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of fostering regional integration and cooperation within West Africa and beyond. By granting Air Tanzania the necessary operational permit, Nigeria seeks to bolster its aviation sector while enhancing cross-border connectivity.

Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), welcomed Air Tanzania’s entry into the Nigerian market.

She expressed optimism about the potential growth of the aviation sector and highlighted the importance of regional connectivity. Iriobe also revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries would be signed at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

This MoU will require Air Tanzania to upload all passenger data into the NCAA’s AVITECH portal, with the FCOP serving as the official authorization for operations.

H.E. Selestine Gervas Kakele, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Nigeria, commended the Nigerian government for its efforts in strengthening the bilateral aviation relationship.

He described Nigeria as “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations” and stressed that this partnership would address longstanding challenges in regional connectivity.

“The movement of people, goods, and services in Africa has suffered huge setbacks due to lack of regional connectivity. This partnership is an important step towards establishing a durable flight link between Dar es Salaam and Lagos,” Kakele said.

Following the successful completion of the NCAA’s regulatory requirements, including a rigorous base inspection in Tanzania, Air Tanzania is now poised to launch scheduled direct flights between the two countries.

The airline has also secured approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures (LSOP) and has requested office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, along with residence permits for its staff.

The presentation of the FCOP to Air Tanzania marks the beginning of a stronger aviation partnership between Nigeria and Tanzania, with both countries poised to benefit from enhanced trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

This collaboration is expected to open new opportunities for Nigeria’s aviation sector, while contributing to the broader goal of regional integration and connectivity in Africa.