Dodoma. The government has embarked on the implementation of a long-term plan to construct a major new airport in Kagera Region, in a bid to boost aviation safety and support the handling of large passenger aircraft.
Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, told Parliament here on April 29 that the government has already commenced preparatory processes for building a new 4C category airport, capable of accommodating large commercial aircraft with seating capacities of up to 220 passengers.
Mr Kihenzile made the remarks while responding to a question by Bukoba Rural MP, Mr Florent Kyombo, who sought clarification on when the construction of Omukajunguti Airport would begin.
In his response, Mr Kihenzile explained that the decision to establish a new airport is part of a wider government strategy to permanently address safety and infrastructure challenges associated with air travel in the region.
He said that in January 2025, the Ministry of Transport appointed a team of experts to carry out a comprehensive assessment of suitable sites for the proposed new airport.
The team subsequently identified the Kyabajwa area, located in Missenyi District, as the most appropriate site for the project.
“The assessment team was tasked with evaluating possible locations and advising on the most suitable one for construction. Their recommendation to use the Kyabajwa area has been approved by the government,” said Mr Kihenzile.
According to the deputy minister, the government, through the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) and in collaboration with the ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, is currently undertaking land acquisition procedures. Discussions with regional authorities are already underway.
“Once the land acquisition process is completed, the construction phase will begin,” Mr Kihenzile noted.
Bukoba Airport tragedy
The decision to build a new airport comes in the wake of the tragic Precision Air accident that occurred on 6 November 2022.
The aircraft, which was attempting to land at Bukoba Airport during adverse weather conditions, plunged into Lake Victoria just metres from the runway.
The crash claimed 19 lives out of the 43 people on board, including passengers and crew.
Investigations into the accident pointed to safety limitations at Bukoba Airport, including its proximity to the lake, runway configuration, and lack of navigational aids, as contributing factors.
The crash, which was the deadliest in the country in over two decades, reignited public debate on the need for improved airport infrastructure in the Lake Zone.
The proposed new airport is expected to significantly enhance the region’s capacity to safely accommodate larger aircraft and serve as a key aviation hub in north-western Tanzania.
Mr Kihenzile reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Kagera Region benefits from modern and safe aviation infrastructure, especially given its strategic location and growing demand for air transport services.
