Tanzania Upgrades Aircraft Maintenance Hub at Kilimanjaro Airport

The Tanzanian government, through the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (ATCL), is undertaking significant upgrades to aircraft maintenance and repair facilities at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). This initiative aims to curb the outflow of foreign currency spent on sending aircraft abroad for maintenance and to stimulate the local economy.

The facility, designed to service five aircraft concurrently, will undergo an investment of Sh2 billion. This includes enhancements to the main aircraft access gate, lighting systems, specialized technical areas, and the procurement of training equipment. The goal is to bolster the capacity for modern aircraft maintenance and repair services within Tanzania.

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As you know, in recent years the Government has invested a lot of money in the aviation sector, approximately Sh1 trillion has been directed towards the construction and improvement of various airports in the country, including Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Speaking after inspecting the site and 38 ATCL staff houses undergoing renovation at KIA on June 13, 2026, Deputy Minister of Transport David Kihenzile stated that the government continues to invest in the aviation sector to improve service efficiency and foster national economic growth. He noted that approximately Sh1 trillion has been allocated in recent years to the development and improvement of various airports across the country, including KIA.

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When we improve this aircraft maintenance area, we are interpreting that our ATCL aircraft that we have, 16 of them, along with other aircraft operating in the country, can be repaired here. This will help reduce money going out of the country and at the same time increase employment for Tanzanians.

Kihenzile emphasized that these improvements will enable ATCL's 16 aircraft, along with those of other airlines operating in Tanzania, to receive maintenance services domestically. "This will help reduce money going out of the country and at the same time increase employment for Tanzanians," he said. He also highlighted that the maintenance area is a crucial piece of infrastructure built years ago, serving as a testament to the government's substantial investment in the aviation sector due to its quality.

In addition to aircraft maintenance upgrades, the government is also renovating 38 ATCL staff houses, built in the 1990s, at a cost of approximately Sh5 billion. Kihenzile noted that completing these houses will improve the lives of many employees who currently face challenges with off-site housing, including high rental costs and security concerns.

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These houses, when completed, will improve the lives of many of our employees who are currently facing challenges with renting houses outside the work area, including high rental costs and security issues.