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) in Zanzibar has two main terminals: Terminal 2 for domestic and Terminal 3 for international flights. They are within walking distance. International transfers often require clearing immigration and re-checking bags. Visas on Arrival are available but can have long queues; e-Visas are recommended. Note the strict ban on plastic bags in Tanzania. Allow 3 hours for international departures.
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) acts as the domestic nerve center for Tanzania's safari tourism, conveniently located on the western outskirts of the city of Arusha. While international long-haul flights land at the larger Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) roughly 50 kilometers away, ARK is the primary launchpad for light aircraft heading to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar. The terminal is a compact, bustling facility that often teems with travelers in safari gear during the morning departure peak. Its layout is simple, with open-air waiting areas and check-in counters specifically designed for the high-volume, quick-turnaround operations of bush pilots.\n\nOperational procedures at Arusha Airport are distinct from major international hubs. The airlines here, such as Coastal Aviation, Regional Air, and Precision Air, operate smaller turboprops like the Cessna Grand Caravan and ATR 42/72. Consequently, baggage weight restrictions are strictly enforced, and passengers are often weighed alongside their luggage. Security screening is present at the terminal entrance and before the boarding area, but the overall atmosphere is more informal. Boarding involves a short walk across the tarmac to the waiting aircraft, offering great photo opportunities of Mount Meru in the background.\n\nAmenities are tailored to the transit nature of the airport. There is a popular coffee shop serving fresh Tanzanian brew and light snacks, along with several souvenir stalls selling local crafts and artifacts. Seating is available both indoors and in a covered outdoor area. Travelers should be aware that transfers between ARK and JRO require a road journey of approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, so ample time should be buffered when connecting between international arrivals and domestic safari flights.
๐ Connection Tips
International connections often route via JROโplan transfer time by road.
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