By Celestine Avi
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted a Validated Foreign Air Operator Certificate (VFAOC) to Air Tanzania, paving the way for the airline to commence operations between Dar es Salaam and Accra.
In addition, the air transport regulator also granted Air Tanzania an Authorisation Certificate for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods.
The certificates were formally presented by the Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, to a delegation from Air Tanzania at a ceremony held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the GCAA Headquarters, Kotoka International Airport, Accra.
The delegation was led by His Excellency Selestine Kakele, High Commissioner-Designate of Tanzania to Ghana, with residence in Abuja, Nigeria.
A Validated Foreign Air Operator Certificate (VFAOC) is an authorisation issued by a national civil aviation authority to a foreign airline, permitting it to conduct commercial air transport operations within the country’s airspace.
It confirms that the airline complies with the host country’s safety regulatory requirements, in addition to those of its home country.
The Authorisation Certificate for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods attests to the airline’s compliance with international standards for the safe handling, packaging, and transportation of dangerous goods by air.
Rev. Arthur expressed delight at Air Tanzania’s entry into Ghana’s aviation market, noting that it aligns with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to enhance air connectivity within the African subregion.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to revive a national airline and to develop the Ho Airport into a premiere training hub for pilots, cabin crew, and other aviation professionals.
Rev. Arthur further noted that Air Tanzania’s operations in Ghana are consistent with the objectives of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship project under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. SAATM seeks to establish a single unified air transport market across Africa, fostering aviation liberalisation, promoting economic integration, and facilitating increased intra-African trade and tourism.
In his remarks, H.E. Selestine Kakele emphasised that Air Tanzania’s decision to commence flights to Accra underscores the longstanding cordial relations between Ghana and Tanzania, built on shared history, independence struggles, economic cooperation, and a common commitment to Pan-Africanism.
He added that the new air link presents an important opportunity for both nations to strengthen their roles in advancing regional connectivity and continental integration.
