Dar es Salaam. Over the past decade, Tanzania’s aviation sector has surged by an impressive 47.6 percent in passenger traffic, alongside significant growth in aircraft movements and cargo volumes, showcasing a remarkable recovery and resilience.
In 2013, approximately 4.6 million passengers traveled through Tanzania’s airports.
This figure rose to 6.8 million in 2023, demonstrating a growth of 47.6 percent.
Aircraft movements followed a similar trajectory, recording 230,458 movements in 2013, which increased to 263,832 in 2023, marking a growth of 14.5 percent.
Cargo volumes also showed recovery, rising from 29,672 tonnes in 2013 to 36,618 tonnes in 2023, reflecting an increase of 23.4 percent.
The Annual Civil Aviation Statistics Report 2023 from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) paints a vivid picture of this evolution, capturing the sector’s journey from stability to crisis and back to growth.
In 2013, Tanzania’s aviation industry was thriving, with robust passenger and aircraft movement figures.
The years leading up to 2019 saw this momentum continue, with passenger numbers climbing to over 5.6 million and movements peaking at 234,235.
However, this upward trajectory faced a dramatic setback in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the industry, causing a staggering 47.3 percent decline in aircraft movements, which fell to just 123,540 compared to 2019.
Passenger numbers plummeted nearly 50 percent, leaving the aviation sector grappling for survival.
“The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for our industry,” said Mr. Salim Msangi, the TCAA’s Director General.
Adding: “However, we committed ourselves to recovery, leveraging our strengths and enhancing our strategies.”
As the world began to recover, so too did Tanzania’s aviation sector.
By 2022, a resurgence was evident, with aircraft movements rebounding to 244,236, reflecting a robust 54.8 percent increase.
Passenger traffic followed suit, soaring back to nearly 6 million.
The industry was revitalizing, buoyed by the lifting of travel restrictions and a renewed confidence in air travel.
In 2023, the momentum continued, with 263,832 aircraft movements and 6.8 million passengers recorded.
“This growth demonstrates the enhanced availability, accessibility, and affordability of air travel in Tanzania,” Mr Msangi noted.
He emphasized that the aviation sector’s recovery was closely tied to an increase in international visitors, which surged by 24.3 percent in the same year.
A significant factor contributing to this growth has been the initiatives undertaken by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to market Tanzania as a premier tourist destination, particularly through the Royal Tour.
Mr Juma Fimbo, a seasoned aviation expert with 40 years of experience, emphasized the impact of these efforts, stating, “What we are witnessing today is the outcome of the President’s initiatives.”
He told The BizLens, “This marketing strategy has effectively attracted more international visitors, enhancing the overall appeal of Tanzania’s rich cultural and natural heritage.”
The growth of international passenger traffic is a testament to Tanzania’s attractiveness as a travel destination, enhanced by improved connectivity and strategic marketing efforts.
In 2023, the number of international travelers reached approximately 1.8 million, reflecting a strong recovery of the tourism sector that had been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Cargo traffic, however, presents a more nuanced picture.
In 2013, the aviation sector handled 29,672 tonnes of cargo, a figure that showed modest fluctuations over the years.
By 2019, cargo volumes had increased to 26,608 tonnes.
However, in 2020, the pandemic’s impact was felt here too, as cargo volumes fell to 23,078 tonnes.
The sector saw a rebound in 2021, with cargo volumes rising to 29,376 tonnes, reflecting the initial recovery phase.
In 2022, international cargo traffic began to strengthen significantly, reaching 35,235 tonnes—a clear indication of the recovery.
By 2023, international cargo volumes grew further to 36,618 tonnes, marking a 3.9 percent increase.
This growth underscores a recovering global market and the expanding role of Tanzania as a logistics hub.
Conversely, domestic cargo faced substantial challenges.
After a strong start in previous years, domestic cargo volumes fell sharply by 43.4 percent in 2023, dropping from 5,118 tonnes in 2022 to 2,899 tonnes.
“We recognize the need to address the issues in our cargo sector,” Mr Msangi acknowledged, “as it is vital for achieving balanced growth in our aviation landscape.”
Reflecting on the decade, it is clear that Tanzania’s aviation sector has undergone a remarkable journey of resilience and revival.
From the challenges of 2020 to the growth experienced in 2023, the data illustrates not only the sector’s capacity to adapt, but also its critical role in the nation’s economic recovery.
As the TCAA looks to the future, Mr Msangi remains optimistic.
“With ongoing investments in infrastructure and an unwavering commitment to enhancing air travel, we are poised for even greater achievements. The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning for Tanzania’s aviation sector,” he said.
With this determination and the positive trends highlighted in the report, Tanzania’s aviation industry is well on its way to reclaiming its position as a key player in regional and global air travel.
