Stakeholders call for fast-tracking of Serengeti airport project

ARUSHA: TOURISM stakeholders have called on the government to expedite the construction of the proposed Serengeti International Airport, saying the project is crucial for unlocking Tanzania’s tourism potential and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the East African safari market.

Their appeal comes as neighbouring Kenya advances the construction of the 28.66bn/- Narok International Airport on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a development expected to improve access to one of Africa’s leading wildlife destinations.

The Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park form a shared 25,000-square-kilometre ecosystem renowned for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.

According to the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), more than 450,000 tourists visited Serengeti National Park in 2023, generating over 1.2tri/- in revenue. Kenya, on the other hand, recorded about 320,000 visitors to the Maasai Mara during the same period.

Tourism expert Dr Neema Emmanuel said Tanzania must move swiftly to implement the airport project to safeguard its competitive advantage.

“The government should fast-track approvals, secure financing and begin construction as soon as possible. This is not merely an infrastructure project; it is a strategic investment in the country’s tourism economy,” she said.

A member of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), Mr William Munisi, said delays could cost the country valuable tourism business.

“We urge the government to move quickly. Every month of delay means missed opportunities. Our goal should be to have the airport operational by 2029 so that Tanzania can attract even more direct international visitors,” he said.

Managing Director of Hans Trails Ltd, Mr Hans Mbwaga, said easier international access to Serengeti would significantly boost visitor arrivals.

“Currently, it is easier for some international tourists to access Kenya’s safari circuit. An international airport in Serengeti would allow us to market Tanzania more aggressively and bring thousands of additional visitors each year. The demand already exists; what we need is the infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Mbwaga added that the airport would help Tanzania retain a greater share of tourism earnings by allowing visitors to fly directly into the Serengeti instead of entering through neighbouring countries.

Stakeholders welcomed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to the Ministry of Transport to accelerate preparations for the airport project, describing the decision as timely and strategic.

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According to the Ministry of Transport’s 2025/26 budget speech, funds have already been allocated for feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments and master planning for several regional airport projects, with Serengeti identified among the priorities. Economist Nicholas Giliard said the government’s commitment should now be translated into rapid implementation.

“The proposed airport is expected to feature a twokilometre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft and direct international charter flights. This will transform access to Serengeti and strengthen Tanzania’s position in the global tourism market,” he said.