Tanzania Sees Surge in Tourist Arrivals and Begins Construction of Msalato International Airport

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is experiencing a significant rise in tourism, with the number of visitors increasing by 24.3% in 2023 to reach a total of 1,808,205. This surge in tourism follows a previous year where 1,454,920 tourists visited the country. To manage the growing influx of international travelers, Tanzania has initiated the construction of the Msalato International Airport, which aims to enhance the country’s ability to support larger passenger and cargo aircraft.

The development project gained traction after securing funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB). Professor Makame Mbarawa, Tanzania's Minister for Works and Transport, has stated that the project is progressing on schedule. The AfDB reported that this new airport will have the capacity to serve one million passengers each year, despite the city of Msalato having a population of just over two million residents.

Amadou Oumarou, the director of AfDB’s Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, noted that the airport will also integrate a high-speed railway, which will facilitate further development in the rural regions of Tanzania. The construction of Msalato International Airport will be divided into two phases, with the first phase focusing on a 2.2-mile runway. The second phase will encompass the terminal construction, including passenger facilities, a flight control tower, administrative offices, and a firefighting department.