Arusha Airport Now Handling International Flights: A New Era for Tourism
Introduction
Arusha Airport now handling international flights is a transformative development for northern Tanzania, announced in June 2025 by Regional Commissioner Paul Christian Makonda. This upgrade elevates Arusha Airport (IATA: ARK, ICAO: HTAR) from a primarily domestic hub to an international gateway, promising to enhance tourism in Arusha and support the region’s economy. With investments in infrastructure and services, Arusha Airport now handling international flights is set to make the “safari capital” of Tanzania more accessible to global travelers, potentially attracting major airlines and boosting visitor numbers to iconic destinations like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Key Points
- Arusha Airport now handling international flights was announced in June 2025, with upgrades including immigration and customs services.
- The airport currently offers international flights to Nairobi, Kenya, with potential for expansion to other destinations.
- This development is expected to make Arusha more accessible, likely increasing tourist arrivals and supporting the local economy.
- Tourism in Arusha is set to benefit from easier access to national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Uncertainty remains about when major airlines like KLM or Emirates will begin direct flights from Europe or the Middle East.
Overview of the Upgrade
Arusha Airport now handling international flights is the result of a significant investment by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), costing 11 billion Tanzanian shillings. The upgrade includes extended runways, landing and taxiway lights, and expanded terminal facilities, enabling 24-hour operations and the capacity to accommodate larger aircraft. The addition of immigration and customs services allows the airport to process international passengers, a critical step toward attracting global airlines.
Impact on Tourism
The introduction of international flights in Arusha Airport is expected to streamline travel for tourists visiting Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Previously, international visitors typically arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 50 kilometers away, or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, requiring additional travel to Arusha. Direct flights in Arusha Airport will reduce travel time, making the region more appealing to safari-goers, climbers, and cultural enthusiasts. This could lead to increased tourist numbers, longer stays, and higher spending, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, tour operators, and restaurants.
What Travelers Can Expect
Travelers arriving at Arusha Airport now handling international flights will find a modernized terminal with amenities like duty-free shops, a restaurant, and car rental services. Located just 7 kilometers from Arusha’s city center, the airport offers convenient transportation options, including taxis, private transfers, and hotel shuttles. The enhanced infrastructure ensures a smoother experience for international arrivals, with improved security and passenger handling capabilities.
History and Role of Arusha Airport
Arusha Airport, located in the Olasiti ward of Arusha city, was established in 1953 by Colonel Grey, a prominent coffee and sorghum farmer. Initially managed by East African Airways, it transitioned to government oversight after Tanzania’s independence in 1961 and has been operated by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) since 1999. Historically, flights in Arusha Airport have been domestic, connecting to destinations like Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Serengeti, with limited regional international flights to Nairobi, Kenya. The airport’s strategic location, 7 kilometers from Arusha’s city center along the Arusha-Dodoma highway, has made it a vital hub for tourists accessing Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
| Arusha Airport Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA/ICAO Code | ARK/HTAR |
| Location | Olasiti ward, Arusha, 7 km from city center |
| Elevation | 4,567 feet above sea level |
| Runway Length | 1,860 meters (extended in 2025) |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours (post-upgrade) |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,000 passengers at once |
The Upgrade to International Status
The TAA’s 11 billion Tanzanian shilling investment has transformed Arusha Airport now handling international flights into a modern international facility. Key upgrades include:
- Immigration and Customs Services: Essential for processing international passengers, enabling international flights in Arusha Airport to operate seamlessly.
- Extended Runway: Lengthened to accommodate larger aircraft, potentially attracting global carriers like KLM, British Airways, Qatar Airways, or Emirates.
- Lighting and Terminal Expansion: Landing and taxiway lights allow 24-hour operations, while expanded terminals enhance passenger capacity and comfort.
- Infrastructure Improvements: New aprons, parking areas, and security systems, including a walk-through metal detector, improve efficiency and safety.
This initiative was spurred by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Royal Tour documentary, which showcased Tanzania’s attractions to a global audience, prompting the TAA to overhaul Arusha Airport now handling international flights to meet rising tourism demand. As of June 2025, the airport is operational as an international hub, with immigration services in place, though specific flight schedules for long-haul routes remain unclear.
Current International Flights
Currently, flights in Arusha Airport include international routes to Nairobi, Kenya (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, NBO, and Wilson Airport, WIL), operated by regional airlines like Safarilink and Airkenya. These flights, using aircraft such as the Cessna Light and ATR 72/42, take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. While Arusha Airport now handling international flights is equipped for broader international service, no confirmed schedules for direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, or other continents have been announced as of June 2025. The TAA’s vision includes attracting major carriers, but implementation may still be in progress.
| Current International Routes | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Nairobi (NBO, WIL), Kenya |
| Airlines | Safarilink, Airkenya |
| Flight Duration | ~2 hours 20 minutes |
| Aircraft Types | Cessna Light, ATR 72/42 |
| Frequency | Multiple weekly departures |
Impact on Tourism in Arusha
Arusha Airport now handling international flights is a game-changer for tourism in Arusha, a region renowned for its proximity to Tanzania’s premier attractions. Arusha, often called the “green city” due to its lush surroundings at the foot of Mount Meru, is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, including:
- Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Migration and Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), attracting millions of visitors annually.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its dense wildlife populations and stunning volcanic caldera.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Home to tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled lakes, offering diverse safari experiences.
- Tarangire National Park: Renowned for elephant herds and baobab trees, especially vibrant during the dry season.
- Arusha National Park: Featuring Mount Meru, diverse ecosystems, and activities like walking safaris and canoeing.
International flights in Arusha Airport eliminate the need for tourists to transit through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 50 kilometers away, or Dar es Salaam, reducing travel time and costs. This convenience is expected to increase tourist arrivals, with projections suggesting a significant rise in visitors to Arusha’s parks and cultural sites. Local businesses, including hotels like Mount Meru Hotel and tour operators, are likely to see increased revenue, while the region’s status as a conference hub—hosting events like East African Community meetings—could grow with easier access.
Cultural tourism is another highlight, with programs offering visits to Maasai and Wa-arusha villages, where travelers can engage with local traditions, crafts, and lifestyles. Arusha’s multicultural population, comprising over 100 nationalities, adds vibrancy, with attractions like the Arusha Declaration Museum, Natural History Museum, and bustling markets showcasing Tanzania’s heritage and cuisine.
Traveler Experience at Arusha Airport
Travelers arriving at Arusha Airport now handling international flights will encounter a modernized terminal with amenities tailored to international passengers. Facilities include:
- Duty-Free Shops: Offering souvenirs and travel essentials.
- Restaurant: Serving local and international cuisine, catering to diverse tastes.
- Car Rentals and Transport: Taxis, private transfers, and hotel shuttles connect to Arusha’s city center, 7 kilometers away, with fares typically under USD 10.
- Security and Comfort: Enhanced with walk-through metal detectors and ample parking, ensuring a safe and efficient experience.
The airport’s proximity to Arusha’s city center and its 24-hour operations make it a convenient entry point for tourists eager to begin their adventures. Nearby accommodations, such as Grace Land Hotel and Arusha Crown Hotel, provide options for those staying overnight before heading to national parks or Mount Kilimanjaro.
Economic and Strategic Implications
The upgrade of Arusha Airport now handling international flights aligns with Tanzania’s broader tourism strategy to position the country as a top global destination. By enhancing air connectivity, Arusha can compete with other East African hubs like Nairobi, potentially attracting more regional and international visitors. The economic benefits extend beyond tourism, with increased air traffic likely to stimulate trade, investment, and job creation in Arusha.
The development also supports Arusha’s role as a diplomatic and conference hub, hosting institutions like the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute and events such as the 73rd ACI Africa Annual General Assembly in 2025. Improved flights in Arusha Airport could facilitate more such gatherings, raising the city’s global profile.
Future Prospects
While Arusha Airport now handling international flights currently serves Nairobi, the TAA’s vision includes long-haul routes from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The mention of airlines like KLM, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates suggests ambitious plans, though no confirmed schedules exist as of June 2025. Travelers should monitor airline announcements and booking platforms like Expedia or Flightradar24 for updates on new routes.
TATO’s Strategic Role in Elevating Arusha Airport to International Status
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has long championed the call for Arusha Airport to be upgraded to international status, recognizing its strategic importance in streamlining travel for safari-bound tourists. Through consistent advocacy, engagement with key government stakeholders, and presentation of evidence-based proposals, TATO highlighted how direct international connectivity to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, would significantly reduce travel time and logistical challenges for travelers. By aligning with the broader vision of enhancing tourism infrastructure and improving visitor experience, TATO played a vital role in influencing this transformative decision. The recent announcement by Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda marks a major milestone not only for the region’s accessibility but also for the entire tourism value chain that TATO represents.
Conclusion
Arusha Airport now handling international flights is a landmark achievement that positions Arusha as a premier gateway to Tanzania’s natural and cultural treasures. By facilitating international flights in Arusha Airport, this upgrade enhances accessibility, supports tourism in Arusha, and promises economic growth for the region. As flights in Arusha Airport expand, travelers can look forward to a more seamless journey to explore Serengeti’s wildlife, Ngorongoro’s wonders, and Arusha’s vibrant culture, solidifying Tanzania’s status as a top global tourism destination.
