Upgraded Musoma Airport opens doors or tourism, trade growth across Lake Victoria basin

MUSOMA: THE completion of rehabilitation works at Musoma Airport in Mara Region is being regarded as a key milestone expected to stimulate growth in tourism, trade, and the broader economy across the Lake Victoria basin and surrounding areas.

The upgraded infrastructure is projected to improve air transport connectivity for tourists visiting major attractions in Mara Region, especially the Serengeti National Park.

According to the Acting Manager of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Engineer Musa Kaswahili, the airport has been upgraded from a gravel surface to a paved runway. He also confirmed that the runway has been extended from 1,600 metres to 1,800 metres.

He said the scope of works included rehabilitation of the runway, construction of aircraft parking aprons, installation of a perimeter security fence, and development of a fire and rescue facility.

“Musoma Airport is a key link in the tourism sector, as visitors from within and outside the country, including Kenya and neighbouring states, use it as a gateway to Serengeti National Park,” said Engineer Kaswahili.

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He further noted that the project has already delivered significant economic benefits to local communities, particularly through job creation during the construction phase.

The project, supervised by the Tanzania Roads Agency’s Project Technical Advisory and Consultancy Unit (TECU), is expected to be completed in July this year. It is currently 67 percent complete, while the runway works have been fully finalized.

Once operational, the upgraded airport is expected to increase flight traffic, ease transportation constraints, and unlock new investment opportunities in hospitality, logistics, small-scale trade, and related social services.