DAR ES SALAAM, May 16 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzanian government plans to begin construction of a new environmentally conscious airport in the Serengeti National Park, a cabinet minister announced in parliament on Friday.
Minister of Transport Makame Mbarawa said the airport, dubbed "the Green International Airport," will start to be constructed under the 2025/2026 financial budget.
Presenting his ministry's budget proposals for the financial year, Mbarawa said the project will be a strategic gateway to one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations and a crucial link in Tanzania's expanding aviation network.
Mbarawa said in the capital, Dodoma, that the government has allocated three billion Tanzanian shillings (about 1.1 million U.S. dollars) in the 2025/2026 financial year to complete a detailed feasibility study and begin initial construction works for the Serengeti airport project.
"The airport will be built with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, preserving the Serengeti's ecosystem while enhancing tourism access," he said.
"It will act as a hub, connecting with other international airports across Tanzania, and is expected to boost tourist arrivals and regional development significantly," Mbarawa added. ■
