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About Tanzania More than 1.5 million people visit Tanzania annually, and the fastest, most convenient way to travel is by plane. Whether you're going on a safari, exploring Zanzibar's beaches, or visiting bustling cities like Dar es Salaam, selecting the right airport can make your journey smoother. Luckily, with three international airports and a network of regional hubs, Tanzania is well-connected for both international arrivals and domestic travel.
Here is a detailed guide to Tanzania's airports to help you better plan your travel route across East Africa.
Kilimanjaro international airport
IATA code: JRO
Location: Hai District
Kilimanjaro International Airport sits between Arusha and Moshi. Many visitors fly in to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, with Moshi as the main starting point. Others come for safaris, finding Arusha a more convenient base. The city is close to top destinations like Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara, making it a perfect hub for exploring northern Tanzania.
All airports in the country, including Kilimanjaro, are managed by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA). The airport building features a restaurant, a bar, a café, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a clinic where travelers can get vaccinations if needed. You'll find currency exchange offices and ATMs near the exit for withdrawing Tanzanian shillings. Restrooms are located in a separate facility just outside the terminal.
Before Kilimanjaro Airport opened in 1971, the area was an expanse of endless savannahs. Today, it is a major transport hub that handles both domestic and international flights.
International flights:
- KLM
- Turkish Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Swiss (operated by Edelweiss)
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Air Tanzania
- Air France (starting November 2024)
Domestic flights:
Julius Nyerere International Airport
IATA code: DAR
Location: Dar es Salaam
Julius Nyerere International Airport is a key hub for travelers heading to Dar es Salaam, one of Tanzania's largest cities. It's also an excellent gateway for those setting off on safaris to the central and southern parts of the country, including Ruaha and Nyerere (formerly Selous) national parks.
Julius Nyerere Airport, one of the largest in Tanzania, is just 20 minutes from the city center. It has three terminals: one for private aviation, another for domestic and regional flights, and the third for international travel. Inside, you'll find modern, spacious halls with duty-free shops, restaurants, cafés, and plenty of comfortable waiting areas.
International flights:
Domestic flights:
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
IATA code: ZNZ
Location: Zanzibar
If you're planning a beach vacation on Zanzibar Island, Abeid Amani Karume Airport is the best choice for your arrival. It's just 10 minutes from Stone Town, the historic capital of Zanzibar. This airport connects with many international airlines, making it easy to fly directly from destinations like Europe, Turkey, or Dubai.
Upon arrival, you can stay in Stone Town, where you'll find a range of comfortable accommodations and a rich cultural heritage. The town features colonial architecture, ancient churches, and historical landmarks, all of which are definitely worth exploring. If you're looking for something more relaxing, head to one of the many resorts along Zanzibar beaches, away from the city’s hustle.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is a large, spacious building with a recently renovated international flight terminal (Terminal 3). Inside are several cafés, duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, and comfortable seating in the waiting areas.
International flights:
- Air France
- flydubai
- KLM
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Israir Airlines
- Air Tanzania and others
Domestic flights:
Arusha Airport
IATA code: ARK
Location: Arusha
Arusha Regional Airport was established even before the international hub in Dar es Salaam. In 1953, Colonel Gray, a prominent farmer known for growing coffee and sorghum in the rural area of Mateves in the Arusha district, founded the airport. It wasn’t until after Tanganyika gained independence in 1961 that the airport officially came under government control.
Arusha Airport is still a relatively small hub. It mainly serves light aircraft flights to popular tourist destinations, including Tanzania's national parks (like the Serengeti). The drive from the airport to the city center takes about 20 minutes. After renovations in October 2024, the terminal features a small café, comfortable waiting areas, shops, and restrooms.
Airlines:
Dodoma Airport
IATA code: DOD
Location: Dodoma, Central Tanzania
The capital's airport, located right in the city, is a small but important regional hub. The terminal has a café and waiting areas, but the infrastructure here is relatively modest compared to international hubs.
The airport mainly serves travelers heading to central Tanzania, including Mikumi and Ruaha national parks. It’s also a popular choice for locals, particularly businesspeople and government officials since Dodoma is the administrative capital of Tanzania.
Airlines:
Bukoba Airport
IATA code: BKZ
Location: Bukoba, Kagera Region, Northwestern Tanzania, on the shores of Lake Victoria
The airport is located in the city of Bukoba, on the western shore of Lake Victoria. It handles regional flights, primarily from Dar es Salaam and other major cities in Tanzania. The terminal is small but offers all the essentials: a waiting area, café, shops, and restrooms. It's a great starting point if you want to explore the famous Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Bukoba Airport is also a convenient access point for visiting remote parks in western Tanzania, including Burigi-Chato, Rumanyika-Karagwe, and Ibanda-Kyerwa.
Airlines:
Mwanza Airport
IATA code: MWZ
Location: Mwanza, Northwestern Tanzania, on the shores of Lake Victoria
Mwanza is another popular hub in the north, located just 20 minutes from the city center. Like Bukoba, it sits on the shores of Lake Victoria but on its southern side. The local airport connects Mwanza to Dar es Salaam, Moshi, and other major cities in Tanzania.
The terminal has shops, cafés, waiting areas, and other basic infrastructure. It is ideal for those planning a trip to the famous lake or the western entrance to Serengeti National Park. The airport is quite busy and is frequently used by tourists and locals.
Airlines:
Songwe Airport
IATA code: MBI
Location: Mbeya, Southwest Tanzania
Songwe Airport is a small regional airport located in the southern Mbeya region, serving the city of Mbeya, about a 50-minute drive away. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers a small café and comfortable waiting areas. Songwe Airport is an excellent option for travelers already in Tanzania who want to explore the country's southern national parks, like Ruaha.
Airlines:
Pemba Airport
IATA code: PEW
Location: Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
The airport is located on Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. It handles flights from the main island of Zanzibar and the mainland, connecting Pemba with Dar es Salaam and other regions of Tanzania. If you're already on Zanzibar, flying to Pemba is the most convenient and fastest option, with a flight that takes about 30 minutes, compared to a 5-hour-long ferry journey.
The airport offers basic amenities, including a café where you can grab a coffee or buy water for the journey, souvenir shops, and a relaxation area.
Airlines:
Mtwara Airport
IATA code: MYW
Location: Mtwara, Southern Coast of Tanzania
Mtwara Airport is perfect for travelers heading to the southern regions of Tanzania. Located in the suburb of Mtwara, it's just a 10–15-minute drive to the city center. Mtwara is an important port city on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
This small airport provides passengers with the basics, including a café, a shop, and a waiting area. It connects Mtwara to Dar es Salaam and other major regional cities. The airport suits those looking to visit the port city or explore southern Tanzania's wilderness areas, like Ruaha National Park.
Airlines:
F.A.Q.
What is the main airport in Tanzania?
Julius Nyerere International Airport is the largest and busiest of Tanzania's three international airports. It serves as the country's primary gateway for international travel and a major hub for domestic flights.
What is the best airport to go to Tanzania?
The best airport depends on your destination in Tanzania. Julius Nyerere International Airport is ideal for exploring the coast and connecting to Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro International Airport is best for northern safaris and Kilimanjaro tours, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main gateway to Zanzibar.
What are the baggage restrictions for domestic flights in Tanzania?
Baggage rules for domestic flights in Tanzania typically depend on the airline you're flying with. Since each carrier may have slightly different guidelines, it’s a good idea to double-check with them before your flight.
Are private flights available within Tanzania?
Yes, several companies offer chartered flights for both domestic travel and safaris. These flights give you the freedom to quickly reach remote destinations like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other breathtaking national parks.
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