โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ouani Airport (AJN/FMCV) operates as Anjouan Island's primary aviation gateway within the Union of the Comoros archipelago, positioned approximately 15 kilometers from Mutsamudu, the island's main city. Located near the coastal town of Ouani overlooking the Indian Ocean, this compact facility processed around 25,000 passengers in 2018 through its single basic terminal, similar in scale to other Comoros airports like NWA on Mohรฉli Island.
The runway overlooks the sea but requires rehabilitation funding due to its deteriorating condition, while airport management actively seeks investment to improve infrastructure. Essential terminal services accommodate 4-5 daily domestic flights connecting the other Comoros islands via national carriers operating Embraer 120 aircraft (AB Aviation) and SAAB 340/Cessna 208 aircraft (Int'Air รles), plus regional international connections to Mayotte and Tanzania through Ewa Air's ATR 72 operations.
Daily flight operations support inter-island connectivity throughout the Comoros archipelago, with Int'Air รles (founded 2007, rebranded 2015) and Ewa Air serving as primary carriers alongside AB Aviation and Air Madagascar for this Indian Ocean island nation. The airport functions as a crucial transportation hub enabling economic and social development for Anjouan's volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage, despite basic infrastructure reflecting the practical requirements of small island aviation rather than extensive passenger amenities.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Ouani Airport (AJN) is a straightforward process due to its intuitive single-terminal design, which eliminates the need for complex inter-terminal transfers. Most passengers reach AJN via domestic inter-island flights from Prince Said Ibrahim International (HAH) in Moroni. If you are planning a self-transfer, particularly between an international arrival and a domestic flight, it is advisable to allow at least two and a half hours to account for manual document checks, baggage reclamation, and re-checking at the departures counter.
For those on a through-ticket with regional carriers like Ewa Air or Precision Air, the minimum connection time (MCT) at Ouani Airport is well-managed and usually reflects the compact nature of the terminal. However, travelers should still verify their gate information and onward flight status immediately upon arrival, as regional schedules in the Comoros can be subject to last-minute operational adjustments due to weather or technical factors. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring a smooth handoff between flights.
Ground transportation from the terminal is plentiful and offers several reliable options for reaching Mutsamudu and the island's coastal resorts. Taxis are the most popular and efficient choice, with a dedicated stand located just outside the arrivals exit; it is highly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before departing, as meters are rarely used.
For those requiring more autonomy, car rental services are available but should be arranged in advance due to limited local inventory. Travelers should be aware that the region operates primarily on a cash basis using the Comorian Franc (KMF); ensure you have sufficient currency for local transport and small airport expenses, as digital payment acceptance can vary among local vendors. Additionally, be prepared for thorough manual security and document checks, which are standard at Comorian airports, and ensure you have your boarding pass and passport ready for verification at multiple points.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport, identified by the IATA code HAH and ICAO code FMCH, is the primary international gateway to the Union of the Comoros. Named after Prince Saรฏd Ibrahim ben Sultan Said Ali El Maceli Al Ba'alawi, a prominent 20th-century Comorian politician, the airport is located in the village of Hahaya, approximately 20 kilometers north of Moroni. The airport operates with a 2,900-meter (9,514-foot) runway designated 02/20, featuring a bituminous concrete surface capable of supporting Boeing 737 and similar regional aircraft.
The terminal complex consists of separate buildings for domestic and international operations, plus a dedicated cargo terminal. The international terminal, which processed over 160,000 passengers in 2018, houses check-in counters in the main public hall with integrated security and passport control zones. Airport operations are supervised by ADC (Aรฉroports Des Comores) for functional aspects and ASECNA for air traffic control and security. Ground handling services are provided by Com Air Assistance, while aircraft refueling is managed by Comores Hydrocarbures.
The runway's pavement classification varies along its length, with the first 720 meters rated at 83/F/B/W/T and the remaining section at 65/F/B/W/T, indicating load-bearing capacity for regional jets. Threshold elevations are 20 meters for runway 02 and 24 meters for runway 20, with the highest touchdown zone point at 28 meters above sea level. As the only airport in Comoros equipped to handle international flights, HAH serves as the critical aviation hub connecting Grande Comore with the other Comorian islands and international destinations throughout East Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, and beyond.
๐ Connection Tips
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) is the primary international gateway to the Union of the Comoros, located approximately 20 kilometers north of the capital city, Moroni. For travelers, the most critical tip is to allow significant time for both arrival and departure formalities; the airport is known for manual processing and thorough document inspections, which can lead to long queues during peak arrival 'banks' from carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, Air Austral, and Kenya Airways. Arriving at least 3 to 4 hours before international departures is strongly recommended. Upon arrival at HAH, ground transportation is predominantly handled by local taxis.
It is standard practice to negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as meters are non-existent; a typical fare to central Moroni is between 10,000 and 15,000 KMF (~โฌ20-โฌ30). Most major hotels in the city also provide pre-arranged shuttle services, which is the most reliable and secure option for first-time visitors. The terminal itself is functional but modest, offering basic passenger amenities such as a small duty-free shop, a cafe, and essential refreshment stands. Travelers should ensure they have sufficient Comorian Francs (KMF) or Euros in cash, as ATM reliability at the terminal can be inconsistent.
The regional climate is tropical and humid year-round, with a significant rainy season from December to April that can occasionally lead toLocalized flight delays. If you are connecting from HAH to the other islandsโAnjouan (AJN) or Mohรฉli (NWA)โbe aware that domestic flights via regional air taxis often operate from the same terminal but follow separate check-in protocols. Always carry a physical or digital copy of your vaccination records and your onward flight itinerary, as these are frequently checked by health and security authorities. Prince Said Ibrahim provides a vital and unique entry point to one of the most untouched and culturally distinct archipelagos in the Indian Ocean.
โ Back to Ouani Airport