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By Mara Online News Writer 

A six-month feasibility study will be carried out in Serengeti district in Mara region for the construction of an international airport in the area, it has been revealed.

This follows the signing of an agreement on Thursday in Dar es Salaam between the state-run Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) and a local company, Saba Engineering, which has been commissioned to undertake the ambitious project in the tourism-rich Serengeti district.

The district boasts of the world-famous Serengeti National Park, the home of wildlife ranging from the tiny mongoose to the towering elephant.

TAA Director-General, Abdul Mambokaleo, said at the signing of the agreement that the government has set aside 1.3 bn/- for commencement of the project during the 2024/2025 financial year.

He said upon completion of the feasibility study, Saba Engineering will offer expert consultancy services on the construction of the giant project.

Mambokaleo said construction of the project aims to increase the number of tourists visiting the Serengeti National Park and ease transport problems for residents of Mara region.

Speaking at the same occasion, Serengeti District Council Director, Dr Maulid Suleiman Madeni, thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds for the project, which will boost people’s economic activities in the district.

“Upon completion of the project, tourists will have direct flights to Serengeti to view wildlife. We expect to have 100 flights per day during the tourism high season,” he said.

The agreement signing ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of the Serengeti Airport Construction Project Committee, Dr Rhimo Simeon Nyasaho. 

It is expected that the project would reduce the number of aeroplanes landing in Serengeti National Park and help to open up economic opportunities for the local population and the nation at large.

Currently, Mara region boasts of the 35bn/- refurbished Mara Airport which will ease transport to tourists entering the Serengeti through Ndabaka gate in Bunda district.

With the expected construction of Serengeti airport, the region will now have two dependable airfields to rely on in the transportation sector.