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Legislator decries lack of scheduled flights at Chato Airport despite massive investment

Chato MP Dr Merdad Kalemani speaks at the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) meeting in Geita, where he raised concerns over the lack of flights at Chato Airport, despite increasing demand. PHOTO | REHEMA MATOWO.   


By  Rehema Matowo

Mwandishi wa Habari

Mwananchi

What you need to know:

  • He said that since the airport became operational, there has been consistent demand for flights, with many residents appreciating its modern infrastructure.

Geita. Chato MP Dr Merdad Kalemani has expressed frustration over the absence of scheduled flights at Chato Airport, leaving local passengers stranded despite high demand.

Speaking at a Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) regional meeting in Geita on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, Dr Kalemani questioned why passenger aircraft were not landing at the airport, despite the region’s increasing need for air travel.

He said that since the airport became operational, there has been consistent demand for flights, with many residents appreciating its modern infrastructure.

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“It’s not that there is no demand for transport services—there is, and the lack of flights is becoming a growing inconvenience for passengers,” Dr Kalemani said, urging authorities to schedule at least one flight per week to serve the airport.

The MP also emphasised the significant investment in the airport’s construction and the missed opportunities resulting from its underuse.

“The government has funded the construction of a perimeter fence, and a terminal building is planned. Authorities must find a way to make the airport operational,” he added.

Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigella echoed Dr Kalemani’s concerns, stressing the importance of further developing Chato Airport.

“I fully support the MP’s call for improvements to our airport, as it is the only one we rely on in Geita Region,” Mr Shigella said.

He also acknowledged the negative impact on local businesses, which depend on regular travel.

Tanroads’ regional manager for Geita, Mr Ezra Magogo, clarified that while the agency oversaw the airport’s construction, it is not responsible for flight scheduling.

He suggested that the Regional Commissioner’s Office engage with the relevant authorities managing flight operations.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) spokesperson were unsuccessful.



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