Tanzania Advances Major Airport Expansion With TZS 20 Billion Compensation Release
The Tanzania Airports Authority has released TZS 20 billion for the fifth phase of compensation payments to Kipunguni residents affected by the expansion of Julius Nyerere International Airport.
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania | September 22, 2026 — The Tanzania Airports Authority has released TZS 20 billion for the fifth phase of compensation payments to residents of Kipunguni who are making way for the expansion of Julius Nyerere International Airport.
TAA Director-General Abdul Mombokaleo formally handed over the cheque to the Authority’s Acting Director of Finance, CPA Mohamed Seif, marking the beginning of administrative arrangements to pay eligible residents under the latest phase.
Mombokaleo thanked the Kipunguni community for its patience and said the Government was continuing to release compensation in phases, subject to the availability of funds.
“The Government listens to its citizens and recognises the importance of meeting its financial obligations. Payments are being made according to the availability of funds and at the assessed compensation value,” he said.
TZS 66 billion paid to 717 residents
According to TAA, 1,864 Kipunguni residents were assessed for compensation amounting to a combined TZS 144 billion.
So far, 717 residents have received a total of TZS 66 billion.
Mombokaleo thanked the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to prioritise the compensation programme and providing funding for eligible residents affected by the airport expansion.
He said the latest allocation demonstrates the Government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations while advancing a major national infrastructure project.
Fifth-phase payments to begin September 28
Acting Director of Finance CPA Mohamed Seif said payments under the fifth phase would officially begin on September 28, 2026.
Residents included in the latest payment schedule will be notified through the Kipunguni local government office.
The notification process is intended to ensure that beneficiaries receive official information on payment arrangements and the procedures they are required to follow.
JNIA expansion supports Tanzania’s aviation ambitions
The Kipunguni compensation programme forms part of preparations for the expansion of Julius Nyerere International Airport, Tanzania’s principal international aviation gateway.
The expansion is expected to strengthen airport infrastructure, increase operational capacity and support the continued growth of passenger and cargo services.
Improved airport capacity could also reinforce Dar es Salaam’s role as a regional transport, trade and tourism hub while supporting investment, employment and wider economic activity.
The compensation process remains a central component of the project, linking infrastructure development with the Government’s responsibility to protect the rights and interests of communities affected by expansion.
TAA said payments would continue in phases as funds become available until all eligible residents have received their assessed compensation.