FROM THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER IN MANYARA
Lake Manyara Airport is undergoing a major upgrade to improve air transport and support tourism in Tanzania’s northern circuit.
Located in Karatu District, Arusha Region, the airport serves as an important gateway to Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, arguably the world’s best natural animal sanctuary.
The ongoing works include upgrading the runway, taxiway and the apron, aviation’s term for the place where planes usually park after landing. Works also include the construction of a new passenger terminal and air traffic control tower; as well as installing modern navigation, lighting and safety systems.
The Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Amos Makalla, who visited the area recently to get first-hand details, said works on the runway, which is to be extended to 1,500 metres, were progressing well. Once completed, the airport would be able to handle larger planes, such as ATRs, in addition to the smaller safari aircraft that currently use the facility.
The project was being implemented under the World Bank supported Tanzania Transport Integration Project, with construction works valued at more than Sh100 billion. Once completed, the project was expected to improve connectivity between Arusha and major tourist attractions across the northern tourism circuit.
The upgrade is also expected to reduce travel time for tourists, improve passenger handling and strengthen the role of Lake Manyara Airport as a key aviation hub serving Tanzania’s tourism industry.
