Airport Overview

Songwe Airport was officially opened on 13th December 2012 after the closure of Mbeya airport which was serving the Region since colonial era. Songwe airport ICAO code is HTGW, the airport has not been assigned an IATA Code and is referred to by the IATA code for Mbeya airport MBI. Songwe airport has a runway length of 3330 metres and width of 45 metres classified to code 4D of aerodrome categories as per ICAO standards but licensed to operate as code 3C due to current infrastructural limitations. The runway was resurfaced in 2020, airfield ground lights (AGL) were installed, and construction of inner security fence was completed. Songwe airport is planned to become a new international airport when all the upgrades have been completed.

Songwe airport services currently available are, Immigration services, Air Traffic Control, Aeronautical Information Service, meteorological services, ground handling and refuelling are all available are available during these hours, however, customs are only available on request with 2 hrs notice prior to the aircraft arrival.  Songwe Airport has an ICAO Rescue and Fire Fighting category 6 rating. Songwe has a non-directional beacon Ident: SW located 4.8 nautical miles (8.9 km) off the threshold of runway 27.

There is a new terminal in the final phases of construction (seen on the left of the photo above), which is due to open in 2024.Air Tanzania is planning to construct a cargo terminal, ground works for the new cargo terminal have commenced.

Runway(s)

Airport Infrastructure Details

Fuel Services Charges

Puma energy provides refilling services, only Jet A1, the refuelling capacity is 48,000Liters  (28,000 Tank and 20,000L tanker)

Royalties / Non Objection Fees (NOFs)

No