Dar es Salaam. In the vibrant tapestry of Tanzania’s aviation landscape, 2023 emerged as a year of remarkable growth and recovery.
The Annual Civil Aviation Statistics Report 2023, just released by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), reveals a 14.2 percent increase in passenger traffic—a resurgence that speaks volumes about the resilience of the sector following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Salim Msangi, the TCAA’s Director General, told The BizLens recently, “The aviation sector has shown remarkable recovery, with passenger traffic increasing from 5.976 million in 2022 to 6.824 million passengers in 2023.”
This surge reflects not only a restoration of pre-pandemic travel patterns, but also highlights the growing accessibility and affordability of air travel, which has a direct impact on the influx of international visitors, rising by 24.3 percent to 1.808 million in 2023.
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 rise in passenger numbers has naturally led to increased demand for flights, which is evident in the significant growth in aircraft movements.
The report indicates that the number of aircraft movements grew by eight percent, from 244,236 in 2022 to 263,832 in 2023.
This demonstrates that airlines are responding effectively to this demand, aided by the removal of travel restrictions and a recovering business environment, particularly in relations with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
On the domestic front, the TCAA report highlights a notable 8.5 percent increase in domestic passengers, reflecting a burgeoning market fueled by economic growth and government support for the aviation sector.
The sector also saw a 6.9 percent increase in domestic flight movements, which rose from 204,626 to 218,674.
Enhanced connectivity between regional airports and major hubs—Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Songwe, Dodoma, Arusha, and Mwanza—has made air travel more accessible and convenient for Tanzanians.
However, the report presents a mixed picture regarding cargo traffic.
While total cargo volume showed modest growth, increasing from 35,235 tonnes in 2022 to 36,618 tonnes in 2023, domestic cargo faced significant challenges, plummeting by 43.4 percent.
This decline, from 5,118 tonnes in 2022 to 2,899 tonnes in 2023, raises questions about the dynamics of local trade and logistics, possibly indicating shifts in freight preferences or the impacts of supply chain adjustments post-pandemic.
In contrast, international cargo traffic experienced a notable 12 percent annual rise, growing from 30,116 tonnes in 2022 to 33,719 tonnes in 2023.
Mr Fimbo emphasized that improvement in the domestic cargo would require collective efforts among stakeholders to enhance logistics and streamline processes.
The international segment of the aviation market shows promising statistics overall.
The number of international aircraft movements surged by 14 percent, rising from 39,610 in 2022 to 45,158 in 2023.
The number of international passengers soared from 2.405 million to 2.948 million—a staggering 22.6 percent increase.
Such growth illustrates the successful efforts to diversify air traffic and enhance route availability.
The report emphasizes that improved infrastructure, government initiatives, and recovery in the freight sector were instrumental in this growth.
With 23 scheduled foreign air carriers and 27 local commercial air carriers operating in Tanzania in 2023, the competitive landscape has expanded, offering travelers a plethora of choices.
As Mr Msangi reflects, “The aviation sector is not merely about connectivity; it is a vital component of our economy, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”
The statistics tell a story of resilience and opportunity, highlighting the strategic importance of aviation in Tanzania’s post-pandemic recovery narrative.
With increasing passenger numbers, robust economic activity, and a focus on expanding international connections, Tanzania’s aviation sector is poised for continued growth, making the skies not just a pathway to destinations, but also a bridge to future possibilities.
