Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has confirmed that a comprehensive assessment highlights the need to upgrade Mwanza Airport to international standards, with major expansion and redesign works now underway.
Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, told the National Assembly in Dodoma yesterday that the ministry is currently conducting detailed designs for the construction of a new terminal building capable of handling 2.5 million passengers annually, up from the present terminal’s capacity of only 400,000 passengers.
He said the upgrade will also include the installation of all essential institutions required at an international airport, such as immigration, health, wildlife management and other regulatory agencies.
“Members of Parliament from Mwanza Region have long called for Mwanza Airport to be elevated to international status. Following their request, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has accepted the appeal and implementation has now begun. I urge them to be patient,” he said.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Nyamagana MP John Nzilanyingi (CCM), who sought clarification on the scope of the feasibility study and its expected completion date.
Nzilanyingi noted that the government had already signed a 29bn/- contract with Taifa Civil Mining Ltd on March 28, 2024, leaving residents confused about what exactly is being reviewed while the contract is in place.
Explaining further, Mr Kihenzile said that to meet international requirements, the runway’s width will be expanded from 45 metres to 60 metres, while maintaining its current length of about 3,800 metres. He added that modern runway lighting systems will be installed, as the existing ones are outdated and inadequate.
He also noted that the terminal building currently under construction will be used for general aviation, including small aircraft and premium passengers with private jets, as the government collaborates with the private sector to ensure the facility supports broader aviation services.
“The broader intention is to transform the airport to international status, especially considering the volume of goods transported from Mwanza to neighbouring countries,” he added.
Earlier, while responding to a basic question on when the upgrade will be completed to enable the airport to attain full international status, the deputy minister said implementation of the government’s plan to modernise Mwanza Airport has already begun.
He said the ongoing feasibility study and detailed design include construction of a new passenger terminal, runway expansion, enlargement of aircraft parking bays and development of access roads.
“Construction will commence as soon as the feasibility study and detailed design are completed,” he said.
