Tanzania eyes regional aviation hub

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is accelerating investment in aviation infrastructure and services as it seeks to position itself as a regional air transport hub, linking trade, tourism and investment across Africa and beyond.

Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile said the government is expanding airport infrastructure, strengthening the national carrier and developing aviation skills to support growth in the sector.

Speaking during a tour of transport institutions’ pavilions at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Kihenzile said passenger traffic has increased significantly, rising from about three million travellers in 2020 to nearly 6.8 million currently.

He said air cargo volumes have also grown as improvements in aviation facilities and services enhance domestic and international connectivity. National carrier Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) is expanding its international network, with flights already operating to Moscow and Seychelles, while new routes to Dubai, Beijing, Muscat, Lilongwe and other African destinations are being planned.

Domestically, ATCL has increased connectivity to cities including Dodoma, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Sumbawanga and Geita-Chato, with plans to introduce flights to Shinyanga and Musoma after completion of airport testing.

Kihenzile said government investment in aircraft acquisition is aimed beyond generating passenger revenue, with improved air connectivity expected to boost tourism, trade and investment.

The government is also upgrading airports across the country, including projects in Iringa, Sumbawanga, Mpanda, Tabora, Kigoma and Shinyanga.

Additional developments are underway in Lindi, Mtwara, Njombe, Kagera, Serengeti and Mwanza, with more than 1tri/- allocated to improve aviation infrastructure.

He said investments in aviation training through institutions such as the National Institute of Transport will help develop skilled personnel needed to support the sector’s expansion.

Kihenzile added that aviation improvements complement major transport projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), TAZARA and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), strengthening Tanzania’s ambition to become a regional transport and trade gateway.