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The Russian Ministry of Transport has announced plans to launch direct air service from Russia to four new destinations—Tanzania, Kuwait, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia—by the end of 2024. This development follows the finalization of a bilateral air transport agreement between Russia and Tanzania.

The agreement, signed by Russian Deputy Minister of Transport and the Tanzanian Ambassador to Russia, aims to facilitate direct air service between the two countries. The Tanzanian Ambassador highlighted the significant travel interest of Russians towards Tanzania and emphasized the necessity for direct air connections. Both parties have agreed to adhere to their respective national laws regarding carriers, collaborate on flight safety, and ensure aviation security in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

The agreement outlines guidelines for the operation of contractual routes, regulations on airport charges, customs duties for goods transportation, and tariff policies for designated carriers. This initiative aligns with the goals set during the second Russia-Africa summit, where the Russian Union of Travel Industry advocated for the reciprocal elimination of visas and the establishment of direct air routes with various African nations. This move was expected to enhance the selection of outbound tourism packages available to Russian tour operators.

Recently, the Africa Division of the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Aeroflot, Russia's national flag carrier, had relaunched its air service to the Seychelles in 2022 and to Mauritius in the subsequent year. These services complement the top sub-Saharan destinations favored by Russian tourists, which include Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.

This new agreement between Russia and Tanzania is anticipated to strengthen tourism ties and broaden travel options for Russian tourists, fostering greater connectivity and economic cooperation between the two nations.