TANZANIA: THE government’s efforts to upgrade Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) are underway, with a budget of 100bn/- allocated for renovations and the construction of new facilities.
This ambitious project includes resurfacing the airport runway, building a state-of-the-art VIP lounge, constructing administration blocks and installing a water tank.
These improvements aim to enhance service quality and accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
Upgrading KIA is crucial not only for improving the travel experience but also for fostering economic growth, enhancing competitiveness and supporting Tanzania’s vision for sustainable development.
KIA serves as the main gateway for tourists visiting Tanzania, particularly those heading to iconic attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Upgrading the airport will enhance the overall travel experience and accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
The government’s commitment to upgrading KIA aligns with the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) 2021/22-2025/26, which emphasises airport development and the revitalisation of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to foster a competitive economy.
Additionally, the government is focused on strengthening strategic infrastructure as outlined in the ruling party CCM Election Manifesto (2020-2025) to create an enabling environment for efficient operations.
In a recent televised programme on TBC1, KIA’s Acting Managing Director, Mr Clemence Jingu, said that renovations are scheduled for this financial year.
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A total of 78bn/- has been allocated for resurfacing the 3.6-kilometre runway, which will also include the installation of modern airfield lighting for nighttime operations. KIA has operated since 1972 without significant renovations, making these upgrades essential.
“The government is investing in KIA to establish it as the main gateway for tourists and a hub for aviation business in the country,” Mr Jingu said, emphasising the airport’s strategic location near Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, as well as its proximity to the East African Community (EAC) headquarters in Arusha.
He said upgrading the airport enhances its role as a critical link between Tanzania and the broader East African region.
Furthermore, 16bn/- has been earmarked for the construction of a VIP lounge that is capable to accommodate 80 people, including Heads of State.
This reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging economic diplomacy through KIA, positioning it as a key entry point for visitors and investors.
“President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has successfully attracted many tourists to visit Tanzania as well as promoting conference tourism, with the Northern Region as a primary destination due to its fascinating tourist attractions,” he added.
The Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) will also construct an administration block worth 4bn/- to enhance efficiency. Currently, many staff offices are located within the airport terminal, limiting passenger space. The airport terminal has the capacity to serve 1.2 million passengers annually. Additionally, a water tank with a capacity of 2 million litres will be installed.
Mr Jingu said that KIA averages 1,050 international arriving passengers and 600 local passengers daily, stating, “We still have the capacity to handle all passengers.” The airport currently has 13 scheduled international flights, with some arriving daily and others two or three times a week.
International airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways and KLM operate flights to KIA. Notably, by November, the airport will welcome direct flights from France, connecting Paris to Kilimanjaro.
Since being handed over to TAA in November 2023 from the Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company (KADCO), KIA has handled an average of 50 non-scheduled aircraft monthly.
In the past two years, the airport handled 1,028 non- scheduled aircraft, equivalent to an average of 50 aircraft per month,” he said.
Currently, it accommodates approximately 1,150 international passengers daily, with 90 per cent being tourists—a trend attributed to the country’s Royal Tour Film initiative.
KIA is the main gateway for tourism in Tanzania, connecting the Northern tourism circuit to the world. This circuit includes some of Africa’s most iconic national parks and game reserves, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Kilimanjaro National Park, Tarangire National Park and Olduvai Gorge.
The airport also handles 330 tonnes of perishables, which include 160 tonnes of meat and fish sourced from Mwanza, along with 170 tonnes of horticulture mainly produced in the northern and southern regions neighbouring countries.
Financially, KIA’s revenue exceeded targets in the last financial year (2023/2024), generating 34bn/- compared to the projected 32bn/-.
Looking ahead, the government plans to utilise the entire 110-square-kilometre airport area for various supportive infrastructure developments, including recreation centres, hotels and hospitals. Currently, only 4 per cent of the area is in use and TAA is developing a master plan to attract investors.
Mr Jingu urged strategic investors to explore opportunities at KIA, emphasising the airport’s growth potential.
Economist and investment banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo praised the government’s initiatives, stating that upgrading KIA’s infrastructure, particularly the runway, will significantly benefit Tanzania’s economy by boosting tourism, trade and foreign investment.
Dr Shayo noted that these transformative improvements will strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional centre for commerce and transportation within East Africa.
He commended the government for its commitment to upgrading the airport, emphasising the need for proper maintenance practices to facilitate significant economic growth.
“The KIA runway upgrade allows for accommodating Next Generation Aircraft (NGA),” he explained.
Next generation aircraft refers to aircraft incorporating new technologies and systems required to transform commercial air travel and transport as part of a broader transformation of the National Airspace System (NAS).
He added, “This upgrade will facilitate trade, tourism, business travel, humanitarian relief, security operations, employment and global accessibility.” Dr Shayo highlighted that these advancements identify Tanzania’s aviation industry as a critical enabler of the nation’s Vision 2050, which aims to enhance economic development sustainably.
In conclusion, the upgrades at KIA are poised to increase flight frequency, enhance competition and improve service reliability, marking a significant step forward for Tanzania’s aviation industry.
