Brussels Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Brussels, Belgium, and Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.
The inaugural flight was received at Kilimanjaro International Airport on 3 June 2026 during a ceremony attended by government leaders, aviation stakeholders, development partners and airline industry representatives. The Minister for Transport, Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa, was joined by the Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, Dr Jabiri K. Bakari, the Chairman of the TCAA Board, Dr Hamisi Mwinyimvua, and other stakeholders in welcoming the flight.
The launch is in line with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium. The agreement provides the framework for air transport services between the two countries and supports cooperation in aviation, trade, tourism and investment.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Mbarawa said the introduction of the direct route would create new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment between Tanzania and Belgium. He said the launch reflected the Government’s efforts, under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, to strengthen international relations and create a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.
Prof. Mbarawa also noted that the Government continues to invest in the modernisation and expansion of airport infrastructure across the country, particularly at Kilimanjaro International Airport. This includes the development of modern passenger facilities aimed at attracting more international airlines to operate in Tanzania.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Affairs, Hon. James Millya, said the launch of flights from Brussels, the headquarters of the European Union, demonstrated the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Tanzania, Belgium and other European nations. He said the direct flights would support the movement of tourists, business travellers and investors between Europe and Tanzania, while enhancing connectivity and supporting economic development.
Brussels Airlines representative and Lufthansa Group Vice President, Julia Hilenbrand, said the new route was an important step in strengthening air connectivity between Tanzania and Belgium. She expressed confidence in Tanzania’s tourism and business potential, noting that the direct flights would make it easier for travellers and investors from Europe to access the country.
The direct service between Brussels and Kilimanjaro is expected to support tourist arrivals, trade and investment, while further positioning Tanzania as an aviation, tourism and business hub in East Africa.
