Tabora. The government’s efforts to modernise regional air transport infrastructure have taken a major step forward after the Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, inspected the nearly completed passenger terminal building at Tabora Airport on 20 November 2025.
The terminal, now 98 per cent complete, has been constructed at a cost of Sh27.93 billion and is expected to accommodate 120 passengers at any given time.
The facility also features commercial spaces and a range of operational amenities designed to enhance both passenger experience and airport efficiency.
During his tour, Prof Mbarawa said he had deliberately begun his inspection itinerary in Tabora because of the region’s growing strategic importance within the national transport network.
“I chose to begin my visit in Tabora because it is a strategic region. The railway from Makutupora to Tabora, Isaka, Mwanza, and from Tabora to Uvinza, Bujumbura and onward to Congo all position Tabora as a hub for international transport,” he noted.
He added that the completion of the new terminal marks a significant milestone in boosting economic activity and advancing the country’s aviation sector.
Representing the Regional Commissioner, Tabora District Commissioner Pendo Wella expressed gratitude to the Head of State for the investment, pledging that the regional authorities and residents would safeguard the infrastructure and ensure it generates tangible economic benefits for communities and investors.
The project engineer, Raphael Stanislaus Mlimabi, who also serves as TANROADS Regional Manager for Tabora, said the terminal includes offices for various airport departments, business areas, an air traffic control tower, drainage systems, and a parking area capable of holding 54 vehicles at once.
Other components include a 6.25-kilometre security fence, a meteorological station, two generators with capacities of 1000kVA and 40kVA, solar lighting, and a 1250kVA transformer.
Once operational, the modern facility is expected to enhance safety, improve service delivery, and position Tabora as a key gateway for both domestic and regional air travel.
