The expansion of Songwe Airport in Mbeya is expected to be finalised soon to start serving aircraft for international flights next year.

The Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) said in a statement that soon it would complete the entire infrastructure, including replacement of lamps for night landing aircraft and a new building and that the airport would be able to handle at least 500,000 passengers — local and international — annually.

“We are finalising the infrastructure which will meet the criteria required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” said TAA engineer Dunstan Komba.

According to him, the construction of runways, taxiways and aircraft parking, as well as the fluorescent lighting system of the airport were in the completion stage.

However, he said that while the construction of the airport infrastructure was in its final stages, they were faced with a number of challenges including the shortage of funds. He said the other factor was the lack of awareness of the public in using the aviation sector as a means of travel in the country also posed major challenges in the sector.

He said Songwe Airport was important in boosting the economy of Mbeya because it was in a strategic area that would be able to promote tourism to neighbouring countries. The expansion of the airport started in June this year and is expected to be completed next year.

Credit: www.thecitizen.co.tz.