The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the Value of Air Transport study for Tanzania, quantifying the substantial benefits that aviation—including aviation-related tourism—generates in terms of jobs and economic activity.
Economic Impact
Highlights from 2023 data show that aviation supports and facilitates:
- USD 3.8 billion in economic activity (total impact including the wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism-related activities), equivalent to 4.8% of Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- 711,000 Tanzanian jobs (total impact including the wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism-related activities), of which 12,500 are directly employed by airlines.
- The transportation of 29,800 tonnes of air cargo to, from, and within Tanzania.
“Aviation is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economic and social development, with a USD 3.8 billion contribution to GDP and supporting 711,000 jobs, making it one of the most impactful sectors. By recognising aviation as a strategic enabler, the government is positioning the country to unlock even greater benefits, boosting tourism, trade, and investment.
A focus on strengthening safety oversight to meet global standards, ensuring competitive costs by eliminating excessive taxes and charges, and investing in training to build a skilled workforce can support Tanzania’s vision to become a leading East African aviation hub,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
Key Priorities for Tanzania
IATA outlined three key priorities to support the continued growth and competitiveness of Tanzania’s aviation sector:
- Safety
Strong safety oversight is the foundation of a safe and reliable air transport network. As Tanzania prepares for its next ICAO safety audit, IATA urges continued focus on strengthening oversight. This includes close collaboration with aviation partners to address safety observations, investment in training and skills, and the completion of key improvements to meet global safety standards. - Taxes and Charges
Excessive aviation taxes and charges undermine connectivity, tourism, and economic growth. Tanzania’s current API/PNR charge is the highest in the world, placing an undue burden on airlines and passengers. IATA urges the government to align with ICAO principles, which place the responsibility for border security on the state, and to review its fee structure to create a more competitive and sustainable aviation sector. - Training and Capacity-Building
A skilled and qualified workforce is essential to sustaining aviation growth in Tanzania. Continued investment in training, skills development, and innovation will build a sustainable talent pipeline, create jobs, and strengthen aviation’s contribution to the national economy.
With regard to training, on 7 October 2025, the Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), Mr Salim Msangi, officially launched the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Training and Examination Centre at the National Institute of Transport (NIT). The launch follows NIT’s accreditation as an EASA-recognised centre, achieved in partnership with Aerolink Solutions Ltd and the Athens Aviation Training Organization (AATO).
This milestone highlights the importance of modern infrastructure, qualified instructors, and innovative programmes to ensure that training meets global standards. The TCAA has reiterated its commitment to working with institutions such as NIT to maintain compliance with EASA requirements.
The establishment of the EASA Training and Examination Centre marks a significant step for Tanzania’s aviation training sector, enabling professionals to earn internationally recognised certifications and strengthening the country’s position as a regional aviation training hub.
In terms of aviation taxes and charges, the industry is not too pleased with the new levy under the VI Tax code, referred to as a Passenger Facilitation Fee. This will apply to all foreign travellers and is intended, according to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, to fund the rollout of the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Electronic Border Control Systems (eBCS), as outlined in the TCAA position paper published in June 2025. The levy is apparently due to come into effect on 1 November 2025.
During the recent ICAO Assembly in Montreal on 2 October 2025, Tanzania and Zambia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral aviation cooperation. The two delegations discussed the review of their Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), including the granting of 5th Freedom Traffic Rights for national carriers. The review is expected to be finalised during the upcoming ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025), which will be held in a hybrid format (in-person and virtual).
ICAN 2025 will provide States, either on-site or participating remotely, with a central meeting platform to conduct bilateral, regional, or plurilateral air services negotiations and consultations, as well as to network with policy-makers, regulators, air operators, service providers, and other stakeholders. For more information: https://www.icao.int/events/icao-air-services-negotiation-event-2025-ican2025
Zambia and Tanzania also held discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, aimed at enhancing joint preparedness and coordination ahead of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). Tanzania further invited Zambia to participate in the ICAO International Air Law Treaty Workshop, to be held in Dar es Salaam from 4 to 6 November 2025.
