Tanzania’s aviation sector is experiencing a significant upswing, with a remarkable surge in airline passenger numbers, marking a promising trajectory for the nation’s air travel industry. According to the Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, the first nine months of the fiscal year witnessed a substantial increase of nearly 24% in airline passengers. This surge propelled the number of passengers to 5.08 million in March 2023/24, a notable rise from the 4.10 million recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year.
Prof Mbarawa attributed this surge to the burgeoning air travel business in the country, which has been buoyed by a rise in tourist arrivals and an overall improvement in global aviation dynamics. The positive trend underscores Tanzania’s growing appeal as a travel destination and reflects the resilience of its aviation sector amidst challenging times.
Of the total passengers transported during this period, approximately 2.76 million were domestic travellers, while 2.31 million passengers embarked on international journeys, highlighting the robustness of both domestic and international air travel segments. Moreover, data from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) reveals a remarkable 88.43% increase in the number of flights landing and taking off, soaring to 205,968 by the end of March 2023/24 from 109,308 recorded in the corresponding period last year.
The Minister further elaborated that this remarkable growth can be attributed to various government initiatives, including the procurement of new aircraft, strategic measures to bolster international business ties, and the signing of Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA). Tanzania has been actively engaged in expanding its network of BASA, with the number of agreements reaching 85 in the 2023/24 fiscal year, up from 80 agreements in the previous year.
Additionally, Tanzania’s proactive engagement in international forums such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) conference has yielded positive outcomes, with successful negotiations resulting in the signing of five agreements with countries including Suriname, Algeria, Czech Republic, and Ivory Coast. These agreements not only enhance connectivity but also foster greater cooperation in the aviation sector, paving the way for sustained growth and development.
The surge in airline passengers and flight movements underscores Tanzania’s emergence as a key player in the global aviation landscape, poised to capitalise on its strategic advantages and unlock new opportunities in the dynamic aviation industry. As the nation continues to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and foster partnerships, the future of air travel in Tanzania appears brighter than ever.
