KILIMANJARO: THE increase in flights by various airlines, including international carriers has led to a rise in the number of passengers using Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
Speaking during the launching of 2024 Aviation Safety Week at the airport, KIA Director Eng Rehema Myeya attributed the growth to the concerted efforts of the government and other development partners.
Engineer Myeya noted that tourists were among the many passengers contributing to the increased traffic at the northern zone-based international airport.
“The number of passengers using KIA has increased from 929,553 in the 2022/23 Financial Year to 1,077,660 in the 2023/24 Financial Year,” she said.
She also acknowledged the government’s initiatives to enhance aviation safety, which have made Tanzania an attractive destination for international visitors.
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Regarding the Aviation Safety Week, Engineer Myeya explained that the event was aimed at bringing together airport staff, aviation stakeholders and neighbouring communities to discuss and promote safety, which is vital for the aviation sector.
“KIA is observing Aviation Safety Week for the third consecutive year, continuing the implementation of recommendations from the Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This initiative helps develop a safety culture to ensure safe air travel,” she added.
“We will continue this tradition of celebrating Aviation Safety Week to emphasise the importance of safety, which is a top priority for airlines worldwide when considering airports for their flights,” she said.
At the event, Engineer Flora Alphonce, Director of Air Navigation Services at the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), reaffirmed that safety would remain a priority for the authority and all aviation stakeholders due to its critical role in the sector.
“Ensuring safety in our aviation services will enhance the trust that various airlines place in our airports, including KIA, making Tanzania a major gateway for passengers, including tourists,” said Engineer Alphonce, who was the guest of honour at the event.
She further added, “In terms of tourism, we are committed to supporting the government’s efforts to increase the number of tourists visiting Tanzania to 5 million by 2025. This effort is being actively supported by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s initiatives to promote tourism.”
