Tanzania is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro to the sweeping plains of the Serengeti. For travellers embarking on an African adventure, understanding the network of airports in Tanzania is essential for seamless travel between the country’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re flying internationally, domestically, or into a remote airstrip for a safari, this guide will help you navigate the key airports in Tanzania.
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1. International Airports in Tanzania
Tanzania has three primary international airports that serve as gateways to various regions. These airports offer flights from major international airlines, making it convenient for travellers to fly into Tanzania from different parts of the world. While there is Mwanza International Airport, we are not covering that just yet since it is currently not served by any direct international airline connection.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Location:
Situated between the City of Arusha and the town of Moshi in Northern Tanzania.
IATA/ICAO Codes:
JRO / HTKJ
Distance:
50 km from Arusha and 40 km from Moshi, approximately a 1-hour drive to both.
What you need to know:
Main entry point for travellers visiting Northern Tanzania’s safari circuit, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Key airlines serving the airport:
Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Edelweiss and Air Tanzania.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA)
Location:
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling commercial capital.
IATA/ICAO Codes:
DAR / HTDA
Distance:
12 km from the city centre, around a 20-minute drive.
What you need to know:
The largest and busiest of the airports in Tanzania, serving as the main hub for international flights into Coastal Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Airlines serving JNIA:
Emirates, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Oman Air, Fly Dubai, Rwandair, Precision Air and Air Tanzania.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Location:
Zanzibar, off Tanzania’s eastern coast.
IATA/ICAO Codes:
ZNZ / HTZZ
Distance:
8 km from Stone Town, approximately a 15-minute drive.
What you need to know:
Gateway to Zanzibar’s famous beach resorts and historic Stone Town.
Airlines serving ZNZ:
Discover Airlines, Condor, Fly Dubai, Oman Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France, Edelweiss, Precision Air and Air Tanzania.
2. Domestic Airports in Tanzania
For domestic travel, Tanzania has several smaller airports that serve as key hubs for regional flights. These domestic airports connect major cities and towns across the country, facilitating easy access to Tanzania’s various safari circuits. There are several other domestic airports in the country however, we have chosen to not list them all here because they aren’t central to the primary tourism routes.
Arusha Airport (ARK)
Location:
Just outside Arusha, Northern Tanzania.
IATA/ICAO Codes:
ARK / HTAR
Distance:
8 km from Arusha town, approximately a 15-minute drive.
What you need to know:
Primary domestic hub for flights into Northern Circuit safari destinations.
Airlines serving Arusha Airport:
Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air, Precision Air and Air Tanzania.
Iringa Airport (IRI)
Location:
Near Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania.
IATA/ICAO Codes:
IRI / HTIR
Distance:
13 km from Iringa town, about a 25-minute drive.
What you need to know:
Gateway to Ruaha National Park, serving adventure travellers to the Southern Circuit and Mufindi Highlands..
Airlines serving Iringa Airport:
Regional and charter airlines.
Mbeya Airport (MBI) – Songwe Airport
Location:
Southern Highlands, near Mbeya.
IATA/ICAO Codes:
MBI / HTMB
Distance:
25 km from Mbeya town, about a 40-minute drive.
What you need to know:
Hub for domestic flights connecting to the Southern Highlands.
Airlines serving Mbeya (Songwe) Airport:
Precision Air, Regional carriers.
3. Key Airstrips in Tanzania’s National Parks
To truly experience Tanzania’s natural beauty, many travelers opt for small aircraft flights directly into national parks. These airstrips, though remote, are crucial for seamless safari logistics. Here are some of the most popular airstrips in Tanzania.
Kogatende Airstrip
- Location: Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River.
- What you need to know: Ideal for witnessing the Great Migration, especially the river crossings.
- Airlines Serving: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air and others.
Seronera Airstrip
- Location: Central Serengeti.
- What you need to know: Central hub for safari travellers heading into Serengeti, one of the busiest airstrips.
- Airlines Serving: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air, Safari Airlink and others.
Ndutu Airstrip
- Location: Border of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- What you need to know: Perfect for accessing both Serengeti and Ngorongoro during the wildebeest calving season.
- Airlines Serving: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air, Safari Airlink and others.
Kirawira/Grumeti Airstrip
- Location: Western Serengeti, near the Grumeti River.
- What you need to know: Serves luxury camps in the Grumeti Reserve and western Serengeti during the migration in June and early July.
- Airlines Serving: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air, Safari Airlink and others.
Mtemere Airstrip
- Location: Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park).
- What you need to know: Gateway to Selous (Nyerere National Park), one of the largest wildlife areas in Africa.
- Airlines Serving: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air, Safari Airlink and others.
Msembe Airstrip
- Location: Ruaha National Park.
- What you need to know: Primary airstrip for travellers flying into Ruaha, offering direct access to the park.
- Airlines Serving: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air, Safari Airlink and others.
Tarime Airstrip
- Location: Near Isebania, close to the Kenya-Tanzania border.
- What you need to know: Key point for travellers connecting to Kenya’s Masai Mara from Tanzania.
- Airlines Serving: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air, Safari Airlink and others.
While we strive to ensure the information on airlines serving the various airports and airtrstips in Tanzania is accurate, please note that airlines may change routes without notice. Always double check the information provided before planning your trip.
Navigating Tanzania’s airports and airstrips is an essential part of planning a safari adventure. With three international airports, a network of domestic hubs, and key airstrips providing direct access to national parks, Tanzania offers a well-connected air travel experience. By understanding the different airports in Tanzania, travellers can choose the most convenient entry and exit points for their safari and beach holidays, ensuring smooth logistics and unforgettable experiences.
