Tanga Airport plan must match economic growth – PM

TANGA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has ordered a review of plans to rehabilitate and expand Tanga Airport, warning that the current design risks undermining the region’s fast growing economic role.

He directed the Ministry of Transport and the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) to ensure the project reflects Tanga’s emergence as a key economic gateway, rather than limiting its future potential.

“Tanga today is not what it was in the past. It is now an economic gateway and it cannot have an airport designed merely as an emergency facility,” Dr Nchemba said.

The PM raised concern that the proposed expansion plans could reduce some of the airport’s existing capacity instead of enhancing it, calling for a long-term, growth-oriented approach.

He made the remarks in Tanga yesterday while responding to issues highlighted in the regional development report presented during his visit to close the 10-day Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Innovation Exhibition.

Dr Nchemba said Tanga’s expanding economic activities, driven by major strategic investments, demand an airport capable of handling larger aircraft as well as increased passenger and cargo volumes.

He pointed to key projects in the region, including oil and gas infrastructure, as justification for designing an airport that supports future economic demands.

“We want the status of a city with major projects such as Tanga to be reflected. There is an oil pipeline, gas pipeline and a refinery and we expect this airport to serve economic activities,” he said.

Dr Nchemba expressed dissatisfaction with details in the regional report indicating that the expansion would include only one aircraft apron, with another reserved for emergency use.

“I would have expected four aprons and two runways to allow aircraft to land and take off simultaneously,” he said.

He directed the Ministry of Transport to revisit the plans and explore options for expanding the airport’s capacity to accommodate future traffic growth.

“If four cannot be achieved, then retain the two that existed before. We should not reduce what we already have,” he stressed.

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Dr Nchemba also cautioned against plans that could reduce the airport’s operational space due to construction of a large administrative building, warning that such changes could restrict larger aircraft operations.

He instructed Tanga Regional Commissioner Ambassador Dr Batilda Burian to formally communicate with relevant authorities, including TAA and TANROADS, to ensure the airport project aligns with the government’s broader development vision.

“Think ahead and revise the plans. Bring them back for advice and approval,” he directed.

The Premier noted that Tanga has undergone significant economic transformation and stressed that infrastructure development must keep pace with its evolving role in the national economy.

He also called for accelerated implementation of other strategic projects, including construction of a paved road linking Tanga and Muheza through Mjasani.

Dr Nchemba said major national investments, including the recently inaugurated Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, will further boost economic activity and increase demand for efficient transport infrastructure.

He stressed that infrastructure planning should anticipate future needs and support Tanga’s long-term growth.

“Let us think ahead,” he said, underscoring the need to redesign the airport project to match the region’s rising economic status.