The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority is expanding Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam by adding a third terminal to accommodate growing passenger demand.
The new terminal will relieve pressure on Terminal 2. Although Terminal 2 was designed for 1.2 million passengers per year, it handled over 2 million travelers in 2012, creating congestion and operational strain.
Phase 1 of Terminal 3 is projected to raise the airport’s capacity to roughly 3.5 million passengers annually. After Phase 2 is completed, an additional 2.5 million passenger spaces will be added, bringing total capacity to about 6 million passengers per year. This expansion aims to improve passenger flow, reduce delays, and support future traffic growth in Dar es Salaam.
Improved facilities at the expanded airport are expected to benefit both domestic and international travelers by offering more check-in counters, expanded waiting areas, and enhanced baggage handling. The project will also help accommodate larger aircraft and increased flight frequencies, which can boost regional connectivity and economic activity.
As airport infrastructure develops, authorities are focusing on phased construction to maintain operational continuity and minimize disruption to current services. The staged approach allows portions of the new terminal to open earlier while later phases add capacity and amenities as demand continues to grow.
Overall, the Terminal 3 project represents a significant investment in Tanzania’s aviation infrastructure, aiming to modernize the airport, improve the passenger experience, and support long-term growth in air travel to and from Dar es Salaam.
You may also like:
Tanzania: Handcrafted Creations from Africa are Hard to Resist