โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is Zanzibar's gateway, strategically located on the island's west coast. The airport has expanded significantly with new Terminal 3 opening in 2017 to handle growing international tourism. Layout: Three operational terminals serve different purposes. Terminal 2 handles domestic flights and some regional services, while Terminal 3 is the modern international terminal. Terminal 1 is used for charter operations. Terminals are within 200 meters walking distance, connected by covered walkways. Security: Standard international security protocols with modern screening equipment in Terminal 3.
Allow 20-30 minutes for security processing. Domestic flights use simplified procedures in Terminal 2. Immigration: Terminal 3 features 8 automated immigration gates and 6 manned booths for international arrivals. Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes, but can extend during peak seasonal periods (June-September and December-January). Tanzania offers visa-on-arrival and e-visa options. Important: Tanzania enforces a strict plastic bag ban - all plastic bags are confiscated. Amenities: Terminal 3 offers duty-free shopping featuring Tanzanian coffee, spices, and local crafts.
Several restaurants serve Swahili cuisine and international options. A business lounge provides air conditioning and refreshments. Prayer room, medical services, and baby-changing facilities available. Currency exchange and multiple ATMs accept international cards. The architecture reflects Swahili coastal design with modern amenities. Baggage claim efficiency has improved significantly with new systems - typical wait 20-30 minutes. Ground transport includes taxis, dalla-dallas (local buses), and hotel transfers to Stone Town and beach resorts.
๐ Connection Tips
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) serves as Zanzibar's primary gateway, positioned 5 kilometers south of Stone Town on Unguja Island's western coast. Operating under ICAO designation HTZA, this modern facility expanded significantly with Terminal 3's 2017 opening, transforming it into a major Indian Ocean tourism hub handling over 1.5 million passengers annually. The airport maintains three operational terminals: Terminal 3 handles international arrivals/departures with modern immigration facilities, duty-free shopping, and comprehensive services; Terminal 2 processes domestic and some regional flights to mainland Tanzania; Terminal 1 accommodates charter and seasonal operations. All terminals connect via covered walkways within 200 meters, enabling transfers though international connections require clearing immigration and customs before re-checking baggage. Terminal 3's immigration features eight automated gates and six staffed booths, with wait times extending to 30-45 minutes during peak periods (June-September, December-January) when European and North American tourism coincides with optimal weather. Tanzania offers visa-on-arrival and e-visas, though e-visas are recommended to avoid lengthy queues during peak arrivals when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously. Tanzania enforces strict environmental policies prohibiting all plastic bagsโcustoms systematically confiscates any found in luggage. Terminal 3 provides comprehensive amenities including duty-free featuring Tanzanian coffee, spices, crafts, and artwork; restaurants serving Swahili cuisine and international options; business lounges; prayer facilities; medical services; currency exchange; and ATMs accepting international cards. Modern architecture reflects traditional Swahili coastal design while incorporating contemporary amenities. Baggage claim efficiency improved with automated systems reducing wait times to 20-30 minutes, though passengers should allow 3 hours minimum for international departures. Ground transportation includes taxis, dalla-dalla buses, and hotel transfers to Stone Town and beach resorts.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Arusha Airport (ARK) serves as the indispensable domestic hub for Tanzania's world-famous northern safari circuit. Located just a few kilometers west of the city of Arushaโwidely known as the 'safari capital' of East Africaโthe airport is the primary departure point for travelers heading to iconic destinations such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the island of Zanzibar. Its proximity to the city makes it a convenient and bustling gateway for both high-end tourists and regional business travelers.
The airfield has a long history, originally constructed in 1953 by a local farmer, Colonel Grey, before being transitioned to national control following Tanzania's independence. Managed today by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), the facility is currently undergoing a transformative 11 billion Tanzanian shilling expansion project. This major upgrade is designed to elevate ARK to international status, introducing 24-hour operations, extended runways, and dedicated immigration and customs facilities to better serve global visitors directly.
At present, the passenger terminal is a compact and efficient facility that thrives on high-volume, quick-turnaround operations. Inside, travelers can find essential services including modern check-in counters, digital flight information displays, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A popular on-site cafeteria offers fresh Tanzanian coffee and light snacks, while several small boutiques sell local handicrafts and safari essentials. The terminal provides both indoor and covered outdoor seating areas, allowing passengers to enjoy the pleasant Arusha climate while awaiting their flights.
Operational activity at ARK is characterized by a fleet of light aircraft and turboprops, such as the Cessna Grand Caravan and ATR 72, which are perfectly suited for the region's bush strips. While the airport focuses on domestic and regional connectivity, it works in tandem with the larger Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 90 minutes away by road. This regional synergy ensures that international arrivals can smoothly transition to their final wilderness destinations, further cementing Arusha's role as the beating heart of Tanzanian tourism.
๐ Connection Tips
Arusha Airport (ARK) serves as the primary domestic hub for Tanzania's northern safari circuit, providing essential links to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar. For international travelers, 'connecting' at Arusha often involves a road transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located approximately 58 kilometers to the east. This journey typically takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic through the Arusha city center. It is highly recommended to allow at least a four-hour buffer between an international arrival at JRO and a domestic departure from ARK to account for immigration, baggage claim, and the inter-airport road transit.\n\nCommercial services at ARK are operated by regional specialists such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Regional Air using small turboprop aircraft. These bush flights have extremely strict baggage policies: passengers are limited to a maximum of 15 kg (33 lbs) of total luggage, which must be packed in soft-sided duffel bags or backpacks. Hard-shell suitcases are generally prohibited as they cannot be maneuvered into the small cargo pods of a Cessna Grand Caravan. If you have excess gear, consider utilizing the luggage storage facilities in Arusha or booking an additional 'freight seat' on your flight if available. \n\nUpon arrival at ARK, the transition to your safari is often immediate, with guides from various lodges and tour operators meeting guests directly at the terminal exit. Arriving at the airport at least 60 to 90 minutes before a domestic departure is sufficient for check-in and security. Travelers should also be aware of Tanzania's strict ban on plastic carrier bags; ensure any duty-free purchases are in non-plastic containers. Always carry sufficient Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) or US Dollars (USD) in small denominations for local fees and tips, as ATM reliability at the regional airfield can be intermittent.
โ Back to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport