Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) has launched Air Safety Culture Week (running through 28 November 2025), using the event to underline a renewed focus on airport infrastructure and operational safety across the national network. TAA Director General Abdul Mombokaleo told attendees in Dar es Salaam that work is under way at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) to improve passenger experience, operational performance and safety standards.
The safety-week programme aims to shift mindsets across airport staff, contractors and service providers, emphasising that every infrastructure expansion must be matched with strengthened safety measures. JNIA Director Bertha Bankwa said the week’s goal is to deepen stakeholder participation and reduce internal threats to aviation safety.
What TAA announced
- TAA confirmed ongoing construction and improvement projects at JNIA, targeted at enhancing performance and user experience. The authority urged staff, contractors and passengers to engage with exhibitions and safety activities during the safety week.
- Director General Abdul Mombokaleo framed infrastructure development and safety culture as complementary, cautioning that expansions require matching safety practices and staff engagement.
Regulatory & funding context (TCAA alignment)
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has previously announced revenue targets and programmes to fund upgrades, for example, a 110bn/- internal revenue target for 2024/25 to support airspace and airport improvements. TCAA’s 2023/24 annual report and strategic documents also highlight infrastructure and safety initiatives across Tanzania’s aviation network.
Where upgrades are happening and why they matter (JNIA upgrades)
- JNIA (Dar es Salaam): As Tanzania’s primary international gateway, JNIA is the logical focal point for investments, higher capacity, improved passenger flow and upgraded navigation/air traffic systems reduce delays, improve airline operations and support tourism and trade. TAA’s public statements indicate terminal and airfield works are in progress though detailed procurement notices and budgets remain to be published.
- Other airports: Project documents (TanTIP and World Bank project pages) show a wider programme of airport upgrades in regions including Iringa and Tanga, aligning with national transport integration goals and regional development plans.
Safety culture: practical steps and stakeholder roles
The safety-week activities include exhibitions, stakeholder engagements, and awareness sessions aimed at personnel across the aviation value chain (airports, airlines, ground handlers, contractors). TAA urged attendees to ask questions and contribute suggestions during the week. Strengthening safety culture often involves clear reporting channels, continuous training, and aligning contractors to the regulator’s safety management system (SMS) expectations.
Timeline / quick facts
- Nov 2025: Air Safety Culture Week runs through 28 November; TAA holds launch events at JNIA.
- 2024–25: TCAA set internal revenue and upgrade targets (110bn/-) to help finance upgrades.
- Ongoing: TanTIP and related World Bank-backed project documents list airport upgrades (Iringa, Tanga etc.) across Tanzania
What’s Next? Industry outlook & watchlist
- Watch procurement notices: Monitor TAA/TCAA and Ministry portals for procurement tenders and contract awards to validate scope and budgets for JNIA projects.
- Check TCAA reporting: Look for TCAA updates on safety metrics (audit outcomes, safety inspections) after the safety-culture week to judge impact on operational safety.
- Track project milestones: Follow TanTIP and World Bank project pages for progress on regional airport upgrades that connect to national infrastructure goals.
Sources & attribution
- Daily News (Tanzania), Tanzania marks Air Safety Culture Week with emphasis on airport infrastructure.
- Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), official site and leadership pages (Abdul Mombokaleo bio & statements).
- Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), annual report and revenue/upgrade targets.
- World Bank / TanTIP, project documentation for regional airport upgrade projects.
