Songwe Airport (MBI)

Mbeya, TZ 🇹🇿 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

HTGW

IATA

MBI

Elevation

4412 ft

Region

TZ-14

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: HTGW

Local Code: Not available

Location: -8.919942° N, 33.273981° E

Continent: AF

Type: Medium Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Travelers generally view Songwe Airport (HTGW (MBI)) in Mbeya, TZ, with a positive sentiment, often highlighting its efficiency and picturesque surroundings despite its modest size. While some find the current terminal facilities a bit dated, there's optimism for ongoing improvements. The airport provides essential services, ensuring a relatively smooth travel experience for most.

What Travelers Love
  • Beautiful Scenery: Many travelers appreciate the stunning views of the southern highlands, especially during the rainy season when everything is green and lush. The location also offers a nice place to view the sunset.
  • Efficient and Fast Service: Travelers frequently report cleanliness, fast service, and good customer care. Security and immigration processes are generally quick, with estimated wait times of 30 minutes for security and 8 minutes for passport control.
  • Musembe Coffee Cafe: The presence of the Musembe Coffee cafe significantly enhances the waiting experience, often making it more enjoyable than an airport lounge for travelers.
  • Promising Future Developments: There's positive anticipation for a new building currently under construction, which is expected to modernize the airport and improve overall facilities.
  • Adequate Parking and Transfers: Secure parking facilities for both short-term and long-term stays are available, often including shuttle services to the terminal. Reliable 24/7 airport transfer services, including taxis and car rentals, are readily available to and from Mbeya city center.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Dining and Shopping Options: A significant drawback is the lack of diverse dining or shopping options within the terminal, prompting advice for travelers to bring their own snacks.
  • Small and Rustic Terminal: The existing terminal is described as "tiny" and "rustic," or "a bit old," which can sometimes lead to discomfort, though it is modern and well-equipped with essential amenities.
  • Distance from City Center: The airport is located approximately 20-25 kilometers (12-16 miles) west of Mbeya city center, which means an additional travel time of about 45-60 minutes by road.

Overall, Songwe Airport is a functional and generally well-regarded regional airport that capably serves Mbeya and the surrounding areas. While its current facilities are basic, the ongoing developments and efficient services contribute to a positive traveler experience, particularly for those who appreciate a smaller, less congested airport environment.

Generated 7 days ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

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For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
09/27 10925 ft 148 ft ASP Active

Type Description Frequency

Ident Name Type Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are the most common and readily available form of transportation at Songwe Airport. You can find them waiting outside the terminal building upon arrival. Fares are not metered, so it is crucial to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey to Mbeya city or other destinations.

Rental Cars

Car rental services are available, but it is highly recommended to book in advance. While major international brands may not have physical desks in the terminal, several local and national car rental companies serve the airport. They typically operate on a pre-booked, meet-and-greet basis, where a representative will meet you upon arrival with your vehicle.

Public Transportation

There are no formal, scheduled public buses or dedicated airport shuttles that directly serve the Songwe Airport terminal. The cheapest option is the local minibus, known as a 'dala-dala', which may pass on the main road near the airport. However, this is generally not a convenient option for travelers with luggage and can be difficult to navigate for first-time visitors.

Nearby Airports

Karonga Airport
KGJ • FWKA
Karonga, MW
Medium Airport
~133 km away
Mbeya Airport
HTMB
Mbeya, TZ
Small Airport
~21 km away
Chunya Airport
HTCH
Chunya, TZ
Small Airport
~44 km away
Chitipa Airport
FWCT
Chitipa, MW
Small Airport
~86 km away
Mbarali Airport
TZ-0095
Mbarali, TZ
Small Airport
~114 km away
Lualanje Airport
TZ-0082
Chunya, TZ
Small Airport
~115 km away
Kapenta Airport
TZ-0071
Sumbawanga, TZ
Small Airport
~143 km away
Gua Airport
TZ-0063
Gua, TZ
Small Airport
~145 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.