Tourism boom fuels air travel surge
TANGA: TANZANIA’S aviation sector is experiencing a sharp rise in passenger numbers, driven by rapid growth in tourism and major investment projects, with air travellers increasing by 16 per cent since 2020, according to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA).
TCAA Director General Mr Salim Msangi released the figures recently during the 58th Air Transport Facilitation Committee meeting held in Tanga.
He said local airports handled two million passengers in 2019/2020 financial year before rising to four million in 2021/2022, before gain surging to 7.4 million passengers in 2024/2025 financial year as post-Covid recovery accelerates and tourism gains momentum.
“Although we saw a drop due to the Covid-19 impact, last financial year passenger numbers grew by 16 per cent. By this financial year (2025/2026), we expect to handle 8.4 million passengers,” Mr Msangi said.
The meeting brought together aviation service providers and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving service quality, enhancing passenger experience, and assessing airport facilities to identify further infrastructure needs.
“While in Tanga for the next three days, we will visit Tanga Airport to assess the services offered and advise on the necessary improvements,” he added.
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Tanga Regional Commissioner Ambassador Batilda Burian said the government has already allocated funds for the major rehabilitation of Tanga Airport, describing the upgrade as essential to supporting investment, tourism, and regional economic growth.
“The government has set aside funds to expand and modernise Tanga Airport so it can accommodate increasing passenger traffic linked to investments and tourism, especially visitors to Saadani and Mkomazi National Parks,” Amb Burian said.
She highlighted several mega-projects underway in the region, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) terminal at Chongoleani, expansion of Tanga Port to handle larger vessels, cement factories, and the expected construction of a natural gas pipeline.
Tanga Port alone has recorded significant growth, increasing monthly ship arrivals from 18 to 58 vessels. “Last month, we received a ship weighing 33,000 tonnes, and more than 16,000 young people were engaged in related operations,” she noted.
With tourism expanding and investment projects accelerating, authorities say the planned upgrade of Tanga Airport will be crucial to sustaining the ongoing surge in air travel.
