Construction of Dodoma's Msalato International Airport reaches 85% completion
What you need to know:
- According to Tanroads, the first phase of the airport construction will be capable of accommodating a Boeing 787-8 (Dreamliner), which can carry up to 350 passengers.
Dodoma. The construction of Msalato International Airport in Dodoma is progressing steadily, with the runways now 85 percent complete, while the passenger terminal buildings stand at 51percent completion.
The chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Investment and Public Assets (PIC), Augustino Vuma, provided this update on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, after a site visit by his committee.
Vuma emphasized that the project is a critical one, involving the construction of passenger terminal buildings at an estimated cost of Sh190 billion and a runway at Sh160 billion.
"We have seen the progress firsthand, and seeing is believing. Paperwork alone doesn't suffice; significant progress is being made, and much has already been completed. If finished on time, this project will greatly benefit Tanzanians who are eagerly awaiting its completion," Vuma said.
He also assured that the project is of high quality, with the contractor working within the set timeline. The completion of the airport is expected to boost the economy of Dodoma Region, as it will accommodate larger aircraft.
Vuma praised the Ministry of Transport and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), the main bodies overseeing the project, for their effective management. He reiterated that the committee is committed to ensuring that the project is completed on schedule.
In a separate project update, Tanroads CEO Mohamed Besta stated that the project is progressing well, with plans in place to implement the committee’s recommendations.
“I commend the President for continuing to provide financial support for this project. Tanroads will continue to closely monitor the contractors to ensure that the project meets the desired standards,” Besta said.
According to Tanroads, the first phase of the airport construction will be capable of accommodating a Boeing 787-8 (Dreamliner), which can carry up to 350 passengers.
In February 2020, the government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) signed a loan agreement worth $329.29 million to finance the project.
The completion of the runways is expected by April 2025, while the passenger terminal buildings are slated for completion by July 2025.
