Makini presidential candidate pledges to make air travel affordable for all Tanzanians

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  Travel and Leisure on Sun, Oct 12th, 2025 by The Citizen

Makini, a rising political figure in Tanzania’s 2025 presidential race, has taken the spotlight with a pledge that could reshape the country’s aviation landscape: making air travel affordable for all Tanzanians. In an interview with The Citizen, Makini outlined a comprehensive plan that touches on pricing, infrastructure, regulation, and investment. The initiative is timely, given that air travel in Tanzania remains a luxury for most citizens, with ticket prices often exceeding a month’s wages for lower‑income households.

The Cost of Flying in Tanzania

The article opens with context about the current state of air travel. A domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to Arusha can cost between TZS 200,000 and TZS 300,000 (roughly USD 90‑130), while international routes, such as to Nairobi or Johannesburg, often run above TZS 400,000 (USD 170). These figures are driven by several factors: limited competition, high operating costs, and regulatory fees. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Tanzania (CAAT), the industry’s growth rate has plateaued at about 4% over the past decade, largely due to these barriers.

Makini highlights that most Tanzanians spend a significant portion of their income on transportation. A 2023 household survey cited in the article found that 60% of respondents cited “transportation costs” as the primary reason for not traveling by air. By contrast, road and rail travel, while cheaper, suffer from safety concerns and limited reach to remote areas. Makini argues that affordable air travel can bridge this gap, enabling tourism, business, and social connectivity across the country’s 26 regions.

The Promise of Affordability

Central to Makini’s pledge is a three‑part strategy:

1. Regulatory Reform – Makini proposes streamlining CAAT’s approval process for new carriers, thereby increasing competition. He also suggests revising the aviation tax structure, reducing fees that inflate ticket prices. The article quotes a CAAT spokesperson, who welcomed the call for regulatory flexibility but cautioned that safety must remain paramount.

2. Public‑Private Partnerships (PPPs) – The candidate plans to attract foreign investment into Tanzania’s aviation infrastructure. By offering tax incentives and long‑term leases for airport expansions, Makini aims to upgrade runways, security systems, and passenger terminals. The article references a partnership model used in Kenya, where the government’s investment in Mombasa International Airport spurred a 20% drop in average fares.

3. Subsidized Flights – Makini proposes a government‑backed subsidy program for low‑income passengers. Subsidies would be capped at a percentage of the fare, ensuring affordability while keeping airlines profitable. The plan would be funded through a small, earmarked tax on luxury goods and high‑value services.

Makini’s vision is underpinned by data. He cites a 2021 study by the African Development Bank, which projected that a 15% reduction in average domestic ticket prices could increase passenger traffic by 25% and stimulate the hospitality sector by 10%. “If we lower the price barrier, we unlock a new segment of travelers,” Makini says, “and that’s a win for the economy.”

Opposition and Support

While the pledge has attracted applause from civil society groups, the article notes some skepticism. Airline operators fear that subsidies may compromise their ability to maintain safety standards. A representative from the Tanzania Airlines Association cautioned that “the government must not become the sole guarantor of safety.” Makini responded that the plan would include strict compliance checks and a periodic audit system.

The article also highlights support from local NGOs. The Tanzania Transport Development Forum praised Makini’s focus on affordability, citing the organization’s own research that indicates a strong correlation between transportation cost and tourism development. “Affordable air travel is a catalyst for growth, especially for the rural tourism sector,” the forum’s director comments.

Follow‑Up Links and Further Reading

Within the article, a link directs readers to the full text of a CAAT memorandum on regulatory reforms. Upon following the link, the memorandum outlines a phased approach to liberalizing the market, including the removal of the “flight route licensing” fee. This document provides concrete figures, showing a projected 12% reduction in route entry costs over five years.

Another link leads to a video interview with Makini where he demonstrates a model of the proposed PPP structure. In the video, Makini details how he envisions a joint venture model that allows foreign investors to share airport operations, while the government retains oversight. The video also includes a segment where he visits a recently renovated airport terminal in Mwanza, illustrating the tangible benefits of infrastructure investment.

The article’s last reference is to a recent United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) report on “Air Transport for Africa.” The report highlights that affordable air travel is a linchpin for regional integration, citing case studies from Rwanda and Ethiopia. Makini’s plan, according to the article, aligns with UNECA’s recommendations on liberalizing and subsidizing domestic flights.

A Vision for a Connected Tanzania

Makini’s pledge to make air travel affordable represents a bold vision for Tanzania’s future. By addressing regulatory bottlenecks, inviting private capital, and directly subsidizing low‑income passengers, the plan tackles the three main obstacles that keep many Tanzanians from taking to the skies. The article paints a picture of a more connected nation where business travelers, students, and tourists alike can fly without the prohibitive cost.

In the broader context of Tanzania’s political landscape, Makini’s proposal positions him as a candidate focused on practical solutions to everyday challenges. Whether his plan will gain traction depends on the support of both the aviation sector and the electorate, but the article underscores that the promise of affordable air travel has already sparked a conversation that could redefine mobility across the country.