Bukoba Aerodrome renovations almost ready

The renovation, upgrading, and rehabilitation works presently ongoing at the Bukoba aerodrome are going to be completed by Easter this year, according to a Tanzanian aviation source. Several setbacks in past months due to adverse weather conditions, put the work to a halt. Renovations started in mid 2009 and was initially due for completion by October last year, but workers also encountered apparent difficult terrain, which slowed down the work.

Once completed, the aerodrome will have a new terminal building and be able to receive larger turbo-prop aircraft, permitting the airlines eyeing the route to operate more cost-effective aircraft able to carry both loose cargo and greater passenger numbers. Presently, only light-single and twin-engine aircraft are apparently able to land and take off from Bukoba, which will change once the strip has been extended to about 1,600 meters.

Several other aerodromes and secondary airports are presently also being rehabilitated and upgraded as part of an East African Community initiative to encourage greater use of air transport in the region.