What are the major airports in Tanzania? Ultimate Guide 2025/6
What are the major airports in Tanzania: Discover the major airports in Tanzania, including international gateways like Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Zanzibar (ZNZ). This comprehensive guide covers airport codes, best options for safaris, Zanzibar beaches, and Mount Kilimanjaro, plus airlines, travel tips, and FAQs for planning your Tanzania adventure.
Tanzania is a premier destination for safaris, beaches, and adventure travel, drawing millions of visitors each year to its stunning landscapes like the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar’s pristine shores.
The country’s major airports in Tanzania serve as vital gateways, connecting international travelers to these wonders while supporting business and local economies.
With a mix of international airports in Tanzania handling global flights and domestic hubs facilitating regional connections, understanding these facilities is key for smooth travel planning.
Whether you’re seeking Tanzania airport lists for safari itineraries or the best airport to fly into Tanzania for a beach getaway, this guide covers everything from airport codes to travel tips, ensuring your journey starts on the right foot.
International Airports in Tanzania
Tanzania boasts several international airports that cater to tourists and business travelers alike. These hubs are equipped with modern facilities, including duty-free shops, lounges, and transportation options, making them essential for entering the country.
The primary international airports in Tanzania handle flights from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, with expansions ongoing to accommodate growing tourism. Below, we delve into the key ones, highlighting their roles in Tanzania travel airports.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam
Julius Nyerere International Airport, commonly known as DAR, stands as the largest and busiest airport in Tanzania. Located about 12 kilometers (around 7.5 miles) southwest of Dar es Salaam’s city center, it serves as the main gateway for business travelers and those exploring southern Tanzania.
Named after Tanzania’s first president, the airport features three terminals: Terminal 1 for private and charter flights, Terminal 2 for domestic operations, and the modern Terminal 3 for international arrivals and departures.
DAR handles over 2.5 million passengers annually, with runways capable of accommodating large aircraft like Boeing 747s. Major airlines operating here include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and KLM, offering direct flights from hubs like Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, and Amsterdam. Domestic carriers such as Air Tanzania and Precision Air connect DAR to other parts of the country.
For travelers, the distance to the city center is a quick 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic, with taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber, and shuttle buses available.
The airport offers amenities such as ATMs, currency exchange, car rentals from companies like Avis, and lounges for premium passengers. If you’re heading to southern safaris in Selous Game Reserve or beaches in Zanzibar, DAR is ideal due to its ferry and flight connections.
Recent upgrades include expanded parking and improved security, enhancing its status among major airports in Tanzania. Pro tip: Arrive early during peak seasons to navigate customs efficiently.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is strategically positioned in northern Tanzania, between the cities of Arusha and Moshi, making it the top choice for safari enthusiasts and climbers.
Situated approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Arusha’s city center, JRO is the closest international airport to iconic attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti.
With a single runway of 3,600 meters, JRO accommodates international flights from airlines such as KLM, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Swiss International Air Lines.
It sees around 800,000 passengers yearly, with seasonal spikes during safari high season (June to October). Domestic links via Air Tanzania and Coastal Aviation connect to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and regional airstrips.
The drive to Arusha takes about 45-60 minutes, with shuttles, taxis, and pre-arranged safari transfers readily available. Facilities include a VIP lounge, shops selling local crafts, and basic dining options.
For those planning to climb Kilimanjaro, JRO’s proximity (about 40 kilometers to the mountain’s base) minimizes travel time. The airport’s management shifted to the Tanzania Airports Authority in 2024, promising further improvements.
It’s also a hub for charter flights to remote safari camps, underscoring its importance in the Tanzania airport list for adventure travel.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), located on Unguja Island, is the primary gateway to Zanzibar’s beaches and spice tours. Just 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic center, ZNZ offers quick access to resorts and cultural sites, with a 10-15 minute drive to the city.
ZNZ handles international flights from Oman Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways, alongside regional carriers like Kenya Airways.
It processes over 1.5 million passengers annually, with a 3,007-meter runway supporting wide-body jets. Domestic connections via ZanAir and Coastal Aviation link to mainland Tanzania.
Amenities include duty-free shopping, restaurants serving Swahili cuisine, and car rentals. For beach holidaymakers, ZNZ’s direct flights from Europe make it convenient, avoiding mainland transfers.
Expansions, including a new terminal, aim to boost capacity amid rising tourism. If combining safari and beach, fly into JRO and connect to ZNZ for seamless travel.
Mwanza International Airport (MWZ)
Mwanza International Airport (MWZ), on the shores of Lake Victoria, serves the northern lake region and acts as a gateway to the western Serengeti. Located 10 kilometers (6 miles) northwest of Mwanza city center, it’s about a 15-20 minute drive.
Though primarily regional, MWZ offers limited international flights via Air Tanzania to destinations like Entebbe (Uganda) and Nairobi (Kenya). Domestic airlines such as Precision Air connect to Dar es Salaam and Arusha. The airport features a 3,010-meter runway and basic facilities like lounges and shops.
It’s ideal for travelers exploring Lake Victoria or the Serengeti’s less-visited western corridor, with growing importance in Tanzania’s airport network.
Major Domestic Airports in Tanzania
Beyond international hubs, Tanzania’s domestic airports facilitate efficient regional travel, especially for safaris and internal business. These airports, operated by the Tanzania Airports Authority, connect remote areas with affordable flights from carriers like Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Auric Air, and Coastal Aviation. They often feature small terminals but reliable service.
Arusha Airport (ARK) is a key domestic hub in the north, handling flights to safari airstrips and Zanzibar. Located 8 kilometers west of Arusha, it’s perfect for quick transfers.
Dodoma Airport (DOD), in the capital, supports government travel and connects to major cities. About 10 kilometers from the city center, it’s expanding with a 2,500-meter runway.
Mbeya Airport (MBI), also known as Songwe Airport, serves southern highlands, linking to Dar es Salaam. It’s 20 kilometers from Mbeya city.
Kigoma Airport (TKQ) accesses Lake Tanganyika and Gombe Stream National Park, with flights from Dar es Salaam. It’s centrally located in Kigoma town.
Tabora Airport (TBO) connects central Tanzania, useful for regional trade. About 5 kilometers from Tabora city.
Bukoba Airport (BKZ) on Lake Victoria’s western shore links to Kampala and Mwanza. It’s 8 kilometers from Bukoba.
These airports emphasize regional connections, with domestic flights often on small propeller planes for scenic views.
Airports Near Tanzania’s Top Tourist Attractions
Targeting long-tail searches like “best airport for Serengeti National Park,” this section helps optimize your Tanzania itinerary.
For Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is best, with drives or charter flights to airstrips like Seronera. Arusha Airport (ARK) offers direct shuttles. The park’s vast plains host the Great Migration, and flying in saves time.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbers should use JRO, just 40 kilometers away, for easy access to trails like Machame Route. Pre-climb acclimatization in Moshi is straightforward.
Zanzibar beaches are best reached via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), with direct access to resorts in Nungwi or Stone Town. Enjoy turquoise waters and spice farms without hassle.
Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO site, is closest to JRO or ARK, with 3-4 hour drives or fly-ins to Lake Manyara Airstrip. Spot the Big Five in this natural caldera.
Tanzania Airport Codes & Locations (Table)
For quick reference, here’s a table of major airports in Tanzania and their codes:
|
Airport Name |
City |
IATA Code |
Type (International/Domestic) |
|
Julius Nyerere International Airport |
Dar es Salaam |
DAR |
International |
|
Kilimanjaro International Airport |
Hai (near Arusha) |
JRO |
International |
|
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport |
Zanzibar |
ZNZ |
International |
|
Mwanza International Airport |
Mwanza |
MWZ |
International |
|
Arusha Airport |
Arusha |
ARK |
Domestic |
|
Dodoma Airport |
Dodoma |
DOD |
Domestic |
|
Mbeya Airport (Songwe) |
Mbeya |
MBI |
Domestic |
|
Kigoma Airport |
Kigoma |
TKQ |
Domestic |
|
Tabora Airport |
Tabora |
TBO |
Domestic |
|
Bukoba Airport |
Bukoba |
BKZ |
Domestic |
This Tanzania airport list aids in booking and navigation.
Which Airport Should You Fly Into Tanzania?
Choosing the best airport to fly into Tanzania depends on your itinerary.
First-time visitors often start at JRO for northern safaris, combining Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.
Safari travelers prefer JRO or ARK for proximity to parks like Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
Beach holidaymakers should opt for ZNZ for direct Zanzibar access, with flights from DAR if needed.
Business travelers favor DAR for its urban connections and conferences.
Consider flight availability, costs, and transfers—many safaris include airport pickups.
Airlines Operating in Tanzania
Tanzania’s skies are served by a mix of international and domestic airlines.
International carriers include Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, and Air France, flying into DAR, JRO, and ZNZ.
Domestic airlines like Air Tanzania (the national carrier), Precision Air, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, and As Salaam Air handle internal routes, often on small aircraft for bush landings.
Regional connections within East Africa are via Kenya Airways and RwandAir, linking to Nairobi and Kigali.
Book early for peak seasons, and check baggage allowances for light aircraft.
Travel Tips for Flying into Tanzania
To enhance your experience, note these tips.
Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities at $100 USD (multiple entry) for US citizens, payable in cash (bills post-2009). Apply online for e-visas to skip queues.
Airport transfers: Pre-book shuttles or taxis; Uber operates in major cities. From DAR, expect 20-45 minutes to center; JRO to Arusha is 45-60 minutes.
Currency exchange: ATMs are available, but carry USD for visas. Exchange at airports or banks for Tanzanian Shillings.
Customs rules: Declare valuables; no restrictions on currency, but avoid importing plastics. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if from endemic areas.
Best arrival times: Morning flights allow same-day transfers; evenings suit rest before adventures.
Pack light for domestic flights (15kg limit), and confirm COVID protocols, though most are lifted.
FAQs About Airports in Tanzania
How many international airports are in Tanzania? There are four main ones: DAR, JRO, ZNZ, and MWZ, with more under development.
Which is the biggest airport in Tanzania? Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is the largest by passenger volume and facilities.
Which airport is best for safaris? Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for northern circuits like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Can I fly directly to Zanzibar? Yes, via ZNZ from major international hubs.
Are domestic flights reliable in Tanzania? Yes, though weather can cause delays; carriers like Air Tanzania maintain good safety records.