Tanzania — September 25, 2026: The Government, through the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), is continuing to strengthen air navigation services and aviation infrastructure at key airstrips serving Tanzania's conservation and tourism areas.
The ongoing improvements at Mikumi, Kogatende and Seronera airstrips, operated by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), are aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency and reliability of air transport operations serving some of the country's important wildlife destinations.
The developments were highlighted during a visit by the National Civil Aviation Safety Committee (NCASC) on September 24, 2026, led by its Chairperson and TCAA Director General, Dr. Jabiri K. Bakari.
Modern Weather Systems Strengthen Aviation Safety
During the inspection, the Committee observed Automated Weather Stations (AWS) installed at all three airstrips.
The systems provide essential weather information to support aviation operations, enabling pilots and aviation personnel to access important meteorological information when planning and conducting flights.
Reliable weather information is particularly important for airstrips located in remote conservation areas, where aviation provides an important connection between major cities, tourism hubs and wildlife destinations.
The availability of modern weather monitoring systems at Mikumi, Kogatende and Seronera therefore represents an important component of efforts to strengthen aviation safety and operational efficiency.
Mikumi Airstrip Receives New 1.8-Kilometre Runway
At Mikumi Airstrip, the Committee inspected the newly constructed 1.8-kilometre runway, which forms part of Government investment in aviation infrastructure.
The improved runway is expected to strengthen the airstrip's capacity to support safer and more efficient aircraft operations, while improving air connectivity to the Mikumi area.
Mikumi National Park is an important tourism destination in Tanzania's southern circuit, offering visitors opportunities to experience wildlife and natural landscapes.
Improved aviation infrastructure can therefore support tourism access to the destination while contributing to the wider development of the Southern Circuit tourism network.
Seronera Control Tower Construction Underway
The Committee also inspected ongoing construction of a Control Tower at Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti.
Once completed, the facility is expected to strengthen the coordination and management of aircraft operations at the airstrip.
Seronera is one of the key aviation access points within the Serengeti ecosystem and supports flights carrying tourists between Tanzania's major tourism centres and the national park.
The development of additional aviation infrastructure at Seronera is therefore significant for the continued growth and safe management of air transport within one of Tanzania's most internationally recognized tourism destinations.
Supporting Tourism and Conservation Areas
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Jabiri K. Bakari said the investments demonstrate the Government's continued commitment to strengthening air navigation services and aviation infrastructure across the country.
“The ongoing investment in air navigation services, modern weather monitoring systems and airstrip infrastructure is an important step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of air transport in the country. These measures also increase the capacity of airstrips serving conservation areas and support the growth of the tourism sector,” said Dr. Bakari.
He added that improved aviation services at airstrips serving conservation areas help facilitate access to tourist attractions while increasing the contribution of air transport to tourism and the national economy.
Air Connectivity and Tanzania's Tourism Industry
Air transport plays an important role in connecting Tanzania's major tourism destinations, particularly remote national parks and conservation areas that are located considerable distances from major urban centres.
For international and domestic visitors, scheduled and charter flights provide an efficient way of connecting tourism destinations such as the Serengeti, Mikumi and other protected areas.
Strengthening aviation infrastructure and air navigation services can contribute to a more efficient tourism network by supporting reliable aircraft operations and improving access to destinations across different tourism circuits.
The improvements also complement Tanzania's broader efforts to develop tourism infrastructure and increase the economic contribution of the tourism sector.
Strengthening Aviation Infrastructure
The inspection of the three airstrips highlights the importance of coordinated investment in aviation infrastructure, weather monitoring and air navigation services.
With the installation of Automated Weather Stations, development of runway infrastructure at Mikumi and construction of a Control Tower at Seronera, the Government is continuing to improve the infrastructure supporting aviation operations in Tanzania's conservation areas.
As tourism continues to expand across the country's northern, southern and other circuits, reliable and safe air connectivity will remain an important component of the tourism value chain.
The continued collaboration between TCAA and TANAPA is therefore supporting the development of aviation services that connect visitors with Tanzania's wildlife destinations while strengthening the safety and efficiency of air transport operations.
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