Tanzania’s Arusha Airport is now able to receive international flights, following an announcement in June 2025 by Arusha’s Regional Commissioner Paul Christian Makonda. This follows an infrastructure upgrade, and is expected to positively impact Tanzania’s tourism sector and ease access to the country’s northern safari circuit.
The development, led by the Tanzania Airports Authority, includes immigration and customs services. Flights have already begun operating to Nairobi, Kenya, with services offered by regional carriers such as Safarilink and AirKenya.
The infrastructure upgrade, costing TZS11 billion (€3.3 million), includes runway extensions, installation of landing and taxiway lights, and terminal expansions. These allow for 24-hour operations and increased passenger capacity.
Previously, the best option was to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, 50km away, or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, requiring additional travel. The new international capacity at Arusha Airport is expected to improve access and reduce travel time to key tourism sites such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and Arusha National Park.
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) played a key advocacy role in the airport’s upgrade, lobbying for its international designation. TATO has highlighted the importance of direct air access in improving traveller convenience, boosting competitiveness and supporting the broader tourism value chain.
International flights currently operate between Arusha and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport with a flight time of approximately two hours and 20 minutes.
Amenities at the upgraded terminal include duty-free shops, a restaurant, security screening systems and transportation services such as taxis and hotel shuttles. Passenger capacity has increased to accommodate 1 000 travellers at a time.
While the airport is operational as an international facility, no confirmed services for long-haul flights have been announced.
