Tanzanian Parliament Passes Bill To Strengthen Airports Authority

The Parliament of Tanzania has approved the 2024 Tanzania Airports Bill, a move aimed at empowering the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) with full control over the management, operation, and development of all airports across the country. This new legislation, passed on August 28, 2024, is set to transform how airports in Tanzania are run, creating a stronger and more efficient system.

Speaking to Parliament, Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, highlighted that the bill will provide a solid legal framework for the TAA to manage and improve airports nationwide. “This law repeals the Airports Licensing and Control Act of 1974. The new authority will continue carrying out its duties with greater responsibility and independence,” said Prof. Mbarawa.

The bill now awaits President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s signature to become law. One of the key changes it brings is giving the TAA its own firefighting personnel, a shift from relying on the national Fire and Rescue Force.

Previously, the TAA functioned under the Government Agencies Act, with oversight from an Advisory Board that had limited powers. With the new legislation, the TAA will have full responsibility for establishing, managing, and maintaining airports. This change also resolves previous conflicts, such as the dispute over Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where private companies were involved in its management.

The bill outlines clear conditions to ensure that government-owned airports operate in line with regulatory standards. It also assigns the TAA the duty of maintaining safety at airports, including handling firefighting services, rescue operations, and wildlife and bird control.

This new law marks a step in Tanzania’s aviation sector, giving TAA the authority it needs to run airports effectively, enhance safety, and improve airport infrastructure across the country.