Tanzania’s aviation sector has continued to register notable growth in passenger traffic, cargo movement, infrastructure development, and aviation safety oversight, reflecting the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening air transport services and positioning the country as a regional aviation hub.

Presenting the Ministry of Transport’s budget estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year in Parliament in Dodoma on May 13, 2026, the Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, said the number of passengers using air transport services increased significantly during the period between July 2025 and March 2026.

According to Prof. Mbarawa, Tanzania recorded 6.81 million air passengers during the period under review, compared to 6.037 million passengers recorded in the corresponding period of the 2024/2025 financial year, representing an increase of 12.63 percent.

The Minister attributed the growth to continued improvements in aviation services, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased investment in the country’s air transport infrastructure.

He further noted that cargo movement also increased during the same period, with a total of 34,750.2 tonnes of cargo handled, compared to 33,112.5 tonnes recorded in the previous financial year. The increase indicates growing activity within Tanzania’s aviation industry and improved efficiency in air cargo transportation for both domestic and international markets.

Prof. Mbarawa said the Government, through the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), has continued to strengthen oversight of aviation safety and improve the quality of airport and aviation infrastructure across the country.

He explained that, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Tanzania has continued to strengthen aviation safety and operational standards.

The Minister also highlighted progress in the construction of the Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC) in Dar es Salaam, saying implementation of the project has reached 11.3 percent.

In efforts to maintain safety standards within the aviation industry, Prof. Mbarawa stated that a total of 189 aircraft were inspected and certified between July 2025 and March 2026 to ensure compliance with national and international aviation safety requirements.

The latest achievements in passenger growth, cargo handling, infrastructure expansion, and safety oversight demonstrate Tanzania’s broader strategy to modernize the aviation sector and reinforce its position within regional and international air transport networks.