Dodoma Airport (IATA: DOD, ICAO: HTDO) serves the Tanzanian city of Dodoma and is located inside the Dodoma Region. It has a runway of approximately 2.5 kilometers and an elevation of 1,109 meters (3,638 feet).
Dodoma Airport is one of 59 airports administered, maintained, and operated by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA). It is located 1 nautical mile north-northeast of the city center and has a total area of 606,530m2. Dodoma Airport is a GROUP II airport that serves as a domestic as well as an entry and departure point for international aircraft. Mwanza, Mtwara, Arusha, Songwe, and Kigoma are also airports in this category. The Dodoma Airport is supervised by an Airport Manager who is also in charge of monitoring and administering the region’s other airstrips, which include Kondoa, Mpwapwa, Kongwa, and Mvumi.
The Dodoma Airport Manager is also in charge of managing the planned location for the future Msalato International Airport and monitoring airport operations at the Singida Airstrips of Singida, Manyoni, and Kirondatal.
Introduction: Dodoma Airport
Dodoma Airport is a brand-new airport located in the capital city of Dodoma, Tanzania. It was officially opened in 2019 by President John Magufuli as part of his efforts to modernize Tanzania’s infrastructure. The airport is situated just 5 km from the city center, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists alike.
Are you planning a trip to Tanzania and looking for the best airport to land in? Look no further than the Dodoma Airport! Located in the capital city of Dodoma, this airport is the newest and most modern in Tanzania. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Dodoma Airport, from its history to its facilities and services. So, let’s get started!
History of Dodoma Airport
The idea for the Dodoma Airport was first proposed in 2013 by the Tanzanian government as part of their Vision 2025 plan to transform Tanzania into a middle-income country. The construction of the airport began in 2015 and was completed in 2019, with a total cost of over $300 million. The airport was built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a Chinese state-owned company.
The British Government (Colony) built the airport during WWII, with a grass runway of roughly 500 meters.
After Dodoma was officially recognized as Tanzania’s capital city in the 1970s, major and minor rehabilitations were carried out at various intervals to improve, extend the runway structure, and install the Airfield Ground Lighting System (AGL). The Dodoma Airport was upgraded to Code 3C as a result of these renovations.
As a result, extensive rehabilitations were carried out in 2016, including the expansion and upgrading of the runway length from 2000m to 2500m, the restoration of existing aprons and taxiways, and the installation of solar-powered AGL.
Dodoma Airport is rated as a Code 3C airport by ICAO Annex 14. The airport’s infrastructure includes a runway with a length of 2500m and a width of 30m, orientations of 09 and 27, PCN 30/F/B/Y/U), a 15m by 15m helipad, two taxiways, and an apron capable of seating three (3) midsized aircrafts (Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and ATR 72).
The improvement and expansion of the Runway have resulted in an increase in passengers, causing the existing Terminal building amenities to be insufficient; it should be noted that the old Departure lounge was built to accommodate just 35 passengers at once.
Facilities at Dodoma Airport
The Dodoma Airport is a state-of-the-art airport with all the modern facilities and amenities you would expect. The airport has a single terminal building with a capacity of 1.5 million passengers per year. Here are some of the facilities you can expect to find at the airport:
1. Shops and Restaurants
The airport has a variety of shops and restaurants where you can purchase souvenirs or grab a bite to eat before your flight. From duty-free shops to fast-food restaurants, the airport has everything you need to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
2. ATMs and Currency Exchange
If you need to withdraw cash or exchange currency, you’ll find several ATMs and currency exchange booths at the airport. You can also pay for your purchases using a credit or debit card.
3. Parking
The airport has a large parking lot where you can park your car for a fee. The parking lot is secure and monitored by security personnel, so you can rest assured that your car is safe while you’re away.
4. VIP Lounge
For those looking for a more luxurious travel experience, the airport has a VIP lounge where you can relax before your flight. The lounge has comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary food and drinks.
Airlines and Destinations
Currently, only one airline operates out of Dodoma Airport – Air Tanzania. However, the government has plans to attract more airlines to the airport in the future. Here are the destinations currently served by Air Tanzania:
- Dar es Salaam
- Mwanza
- Mbeya
- Zanzibar
Transportation to and from Dodoma Airport
There are several transportation options available to get to and from the Dodoma Airport. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal building. They are a convenient and affordable way to get to your destination, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
2. Car Rental
If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car from one of the car rental companies located at the airport. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a credit card to rent a car.
3. Public Transportation
The airport is also served by several public transportation options, including buses and minibusses. These are the cheapest option but may not be as safe as geting private transport.