A DAR es Salaam-based airline company, Flightlink is set to begin operating international flights from Arusha Airport to various destinations outside neighbouring countries, starting in June this year.
In an interview with the Daily News, the Director General of Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), Mr Abdul Mombokaleo, said this development is expected to boost tourism activities in the northern regions of the country.
He said that the milestone has been achieved following the sixth-phase government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and service delivery at Arusha Airport to accommodate international passengers.
“Arusha Airport, Tanzania’s second busiest airstrip for handling flights, currently serves 400,000 passengers annually.
However, it was not equipped to handle international flights directly due to the lack of essential services, and its operations were limited to 12 hours of daylight,” Mr Mombokaleo said.
To address these limitations, the government initiated several projects aimed at upgrading the airport’s infrastructure.
These upgrades include the construction of a modern terminal building and the extension of the runway by 200 metres, making it capable of accommodating larger aircraft, such as the Bombardier Q400 and ATR 72. “Currently, we are finalising key projects, including the installation of aviation lights.
The government has allocated 11bn/- for this purpose,” he added. “This project comes at a time when tourist traffic has surged, particularly following the filming of Tanzania, The Royal Tour.”
ALSO READ:
With 90 per cent of passengers at Arusha Airport being tourists, Mr Mombokaleo noted the importance of enhancing services at the airfield.
“This project will stimulate business and transportation in Arusha City, including international trade, goods transport, and services. It will also attract more investments in the aviation and tourism sectors,” he said.
“Upon completion, the project will help airlines reduce operational costs.” Mr Mombokaleo reassured that Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), located nearby, will continue to serve international passengers as usual.
He said that KIA plays a key role in promoting tourism in Tanzania, with many tourists visiting to explore Mount Kilimanjaro.
He also assured that TAA, the state-owned authority responsible for airport services, ground support, and airport infrastructure development in Tanzania, will continue upgrading facilities across the country as funds and priorities allow.
