Iringa Airport nears completion, major flights to begin on February 22
What you need to know:
- During an inspection visit on 7 February 2025, Minister of Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa stated that the completion of the airport would significantly enhance tourism, mining, investment, and agriculture in Iringa and across Tanzania.
Iringa. The construction of Iringa Airport in Nduli Ward, Iringa Municipality, has reached 93 percent completion at a cost of Sh68 billion. The airport is now ready for operations, with major commercial flights scheduled to commence on 22 February 2025.
During an inspection visit on 7 February 2025, Minister of Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa stated that the completion of the airport would significantly enhance tourism, mining, investment, and agriculture in Iringa and across Tanzania.
According to statistics, passenger numbers for the 2024/25 financial year have risen by 29.2 percent, while aircraft movements have decreased by 44.4 percent.
Following an infrastructure inspection, Prof Mbarawa confirmed that Iringa Airport received operational certification from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) on 1 September 2024.
To improve air transport services, the minister urged airport staff to maintain professionalism and provide high-quality customer service to attract more passengers and investors.
According to Iringa Airport Manager Ashraph Mohamed, the facility, managed by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), is classified as a 3C Aerodrome Category and meets Fire Category 5 (ICAO 61) safety standards.
Covering 353.44 hectares and located 18 kilometres northeast of Iringa town, the airport features a 2,100-metre-long, 30-metre-wide runway, a 155-metre taxiway, and a 180m x 126m aircraft parking apron. It can accommodate two large Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 aircraft and five smaller Caravan aircraft. The passenger terminal can handle 100 departing and 100 arriving passengers simultaneously, with a VIP lounge for up to 18 passengers.
Currently, Auric Air operates flights between Dar es Salaam and Iringa, while ATCL and Precision Air will launch regular flights from 22 February 2025.
Airport Manager Mohamed noted that the incomplete perimeter road remains a challenge as it was not included in the renovation project.
Residents of Iringa expressed optimism about the airport’s impact on the local economy. Kaiza Melki, a resident of Iringa Municipality, highlighted the benefits of improved air transport for development and tourism. “Even if you're not a businessperson or an employee, you can still choose to fly for leisure,” he said.
Prof Mbarawa said that in the past, travellers used small aircraft from Dar es Salaam to Iringa at a cost of Sh700,000, but with the upgraded airport, fares are expected to drop to between Sh250,000 and Sh300,000.
“Previously, tourists would fly directly from Zanzibar to national parks, but now they can use this airport to reach Iringa and explore its attractions,” he added.
Iringa Airport is a key project under Tanzania’s 15-year National Development Plan, launched in 2011, as part of the second phase of the country’s transport sector improvement programme.
