Kiwanja cha ndege Mafia
Mafia airport is among 59 airports managed, maintained and operated under Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA). It is located at Mafia Island in the Coastal Region of Tanzania. The island is in the Indian Ocean. Location of Aerodrome SW of Mafia Island 0.5 KM from Kilindoni town its geographical co-ordinates reference point, in terms of WGS – 84 reference datum: 07 55 02.20s, 039 40 06.65E
Historical background of Mafia Airport traced back early in 1930s where by the first Airstrip for Mafia Island was established by Germany for air transport started in the area was known as Dawe Ndege (Jangwa la Ndege) years of 1930’s (1934/35). This area is 2.3KM from Kilindoni town located on Vunja Nazi village and was established by Germany colonial power. Later in the year of 1942 the Germany colonial power established another Airstrip at Utende village around 14KM from Kilindoni town where by that time these two airports were used interchangeably.
The British colonial decided to construct a new airport at Kilindoni town which was known as Mafia Airport opened in 1951. The beginning of Mafia Airport caused closure of Dawe Ndege Airstrip where Mafia Airport and Utende Airstrip were in use. In the years of 1970’s (1972/73) the government of United Republic of Tanzania decided to close Utende Airstrip and its operations were shifted to Mafia Airport.