Large aircraft resume flights to Iringa after eight years

Iringa. Large aircraft have resumed flights to Iringa following the completion of renovations and expansion works at the airport.

Government sources and authorities say the eight-year airport refurbishment is now over 95 percent complete.

A Bombardier Q400 aircraft from Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) made its inaugural landing at the newly upgraded airport on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

The aircraft arrived full from Dar es Salaam, with the return flight also fully booked.

Transport Minister, Prof Makame Mbarawa, said the resumption of large aircraft flights would create new economic opportunities for Iringa and the broader Southern Highlands regions.

He urged ATCL management to uphold professionalism and ensure the airline’s significant contribution to the national economy.

"You must recognise the importance of improved customer service. Staff should provide exceptional service and swiftly address passenger complaints to ensure value for money," he said.

ATCL Director General, Mr Peter Ulanga, encouraged local businesspeople to capitalise on the new flights to enhance trade.

Iringa business leaders and investors have expressed their support, with many seeing the move as a boost for trade and investment in the region.

Businessman, Mr Fadhi Abri, noted that air travel would improve business efficiency both locally and nationally.

The Farm for the Future (FFF) project manager, Mr Osmund Ueland, highlighted the vital role of air transport in economic growth and commended the government for its significant investment.

Mr Ueland, based in Kilolo District, pointed out that the agricultural sector, especially macadamia farming, would greatly benefit.

During an inspection of the airport in Nduli Ward, Iringa Municipality on February 7, 2025, Prof Mbarawa confirmed that the project costing Sh68 billion was 93 percent complete.

He announced that the airport was now fully operational and ready for commercial flights.

“The completion of this project will significantly boost tourism, mining, investment, and agriculture in Iringa and throughout Tanzania,” Prof Mbarawa stated.

According to the Minister, passenger numbers have risen by 29.2 percent for the 2024/25 financial year, while aircraft movements have dropped by 44.4 percent.

He also confirmed that Iringa Airport had received operational certification from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) on September 1, 2024.

Iringa Airport Manager, Ashraph Mohamed, said that the facility, managed by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), is classified as a 3C Aerodrome 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-meter-wide runway, a 155-meter 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 is equipped to 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, with ATCL and Precision Air set to launch regular flights from February 22, 2025.