4E-Standard International Airport in Tanzania’s Capital Set to Become Operational in Early 2027

The African Development Bank (AfDB)-funded project for the construction of the 4E-standard international airport in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, is on the verge of completion.

Located 14.2 kilometres from Dodoma City, Msalato Airport is being developed to Category 4E standards under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), featuring a 3,600-metre runway.

Once operational, the facility is expected to handle up to 1.5 million passengers annually and accommodate large aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Chief Executive Engineer, Mr Mohamed Besta, confirmed that construction works for the aviation facility are now at the final phase.

The construction of necessary infrastructure has reached 89 per cent completion, with the buildings package standing at 78 per cent, he said.

He said the state-owned agency responsible for the maintenance and development of the trunk and regional road network was closely monitoring contractors’ work programmes, equipment delivery and installation, as well as the coordination of interdependent activities, to ensure the remaining works were completed on schedule.

The Government of Tanzania is implementing the project with an aim of strengthening the country’s aviation status and increasing passenger and cargo handling capacity.

As of this week, Package One had reached 89.02 per cent completion, with the runway at 98 per cent, while the taxiways and aircraft apron were each at 99 per cent.

The access and internal roads and vehicle parking areas were 75 per cent complete, while the water supply system stood at 89 per cent.

Fencing and gates were 76 per cent complete, while electrical works and aircraft guidance equipment had reached 90 per cent. Remaining works include landscaping and grassing of safety areas, airfield and road lighting, water pipes and an underground water tank, fencing, and the installation of communication and navigation systems.

The buildings package had reached 78.37 per cent completion, with the passenger terminal at 81 per cent, air traffic control tower at 74 per cent, fire station at 88 per cent, and meteorological services building at 87 per cent.

Engineer Besta said the project had created jobs for 9,059 Tanzanians, with 3,571 employed under Package One and 5,488 under Package Two. Another 47 foreign workers had also been engaged.