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Tanzania’s Arusha Airport targets passenger boom ahead of AFCON 2027
What you need to know:
- Currently, Arusha Airport is not officially designated as an international point of entry or exit, according to regulatory documentation, although it is capable of handling foreign aircraft.
Arusha. Authorities are implementing major upgrades at Arusha Airport to double its passenger capacity and position the facility as a key gateway for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.
To transform Arusha into a modern, high-capacity terminal, the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) has completed several infrastructure projects, including a runway extension, aircraft apron expansion, and the construction of a spacious, modern passenger lounge.
Speaking exclusively to The Citizen on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Arusha Airport Manager Mr Edgar Mwankuga said the ongoing refurbishments are aimed at doubling the airport’s handling capacity.
Currently, the terminal can accommodate up to 500,000 passengers annually, with traffic averaging about 450,000 travellers per year.
“With the recent upgrades, we are targeting to double the number of passengers handled by the airport, thereby strengthening its role as a regional hub, especially during AFCON 2027,” he said.
According to Mr Mwankuga, the first phase of renovations included extending the runway from 1.64 kilometres to 1.84 kilometres, enabling it to handle larger aircraft such as the ATR 72 and Bombardier Q400.
He added that the aircraft parking apron has been expanded to 15,000 square metres to accommodate more and larger planes.
During the peak tourism season, the airport handles at least 1,200 passengers daily.
Additionally, an average of 150 aircraft land and take off at the airport each day, a figure expected to double from January 2026.
“From early next year, the airport will operate around the clock, both day and night. Currently, we operate only during daylight hours,” noted Mr Mwankuga.
He said key activities in the next upgrade phase include the construction of a VIP passenger lounge and the installation of the Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system to support 24-hour operations.
Mr Mwankuga noted that the AGL system, crucial for safe aircraft movements during low visibility conditions, such as at night or in adverse weather, is in its final stages of installation.
“We expect the AGL system to be completed by December 2025, which means night landings and take-offs will commence from January next year,” he said.
Conveniently, Arusha Airport is located near the AFCON 2027 stadium currently under construction, and management is working to ensure it becomes the official ‘Pamoja’ event terminal in Tanzania.
Despite being designated a domestic airport, Arusha also facilitates cross-border operations and serves as a point of entry and exit for some international flights.
However, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) recently suspended approvals for international flights to and from Arusha Airport “until further notice.”
Nonetheless, the TAA, through Mr Mwankuga, clarified that Flightlink continues to operate cross-border services between Arusha and Nairobi’s Wilson Airport under a special licence.
Currently, Arusha Airport is not officially designated as an international point of entry or exit, according to regulatory documentation, although it is capable of handling foreign aircraft.
According to the latest communication from the TCAA, Arusha Airport, located in the Kisongo area, remains licensed strictly for domestic operations under Category C classification.
In an official notice titled Important Notice Regarding International Operations at Arusha Airport published recently, the Tanzania Aviation Operators’ Association (TAOA) informed its members of the airport’s current international operating status.
TAOA Executive Secretary Ms Lathifa Sykes stated that while the terminal has undergone major improvements, it remains officially classified as a domestic airport.
As a result, the TCAA will continue to restrict international operations until certain conditions are met, including upgrading the airport’s licence from Category C to Category B or A.
Another requirement is the inclusion of Arusha Airport in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) as a recognised international point of entry and exit.
In addition, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) must be notified through the Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) system regarding the airport’s international designation.
The TCAA also requires coordination with key agencies, immigration, customs, public health, and other stakeholders, along with amendments to Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) to incorporate Arusha Airport as an authorised international destination.
In the meantime, operators intending to run international flights have been advised to use Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) until the necessary regulatory upgrades at Arusha are finalised.
According to an official statement, the TCAA, in collaboration with the TAA and other relevant institutions, is working to meet all required conditions and will issue further updates in due course.
