Flight guide for 2026 and 2027
Flights to Tanzania: choose the right airport for your climb, safari or Zanzibar holiday
Compare JRO, DAR and ZNZ, see the best routes from your country, and avoid costly connections.
Tanzania Flight Guide
Flights to Tanzania 2026 and 2027: Best Airports, Airlines and Routes
The complete guide to flying to Tanzania for a Kilimanjaro climb, a safari or a Zanzibar holiday, with advice for travellers from the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Tanzania has three main international airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Fly into JRO for a Kilimanjaro climb or a northern safari, DAR for southern Tanzania, and ZNZ for a beach holiday. Most travellers from North America, Latin America, Asia and Oceania connect once or twice through a major hub.
The cheapest fare is not always the smartest one. The right arrival airport can save you a domestic flight, shorten a long road transfer and protect the first day of your safari or mountain trek. This guide shows you how to choose, which routes work from each region, and which new flights are coming in 2026 and 2027.
If you are still choosing your trip, see our Tanzania safari packages, our Kilimanjaro packages and our Zanzibar holidays.
Airline routes, flight days and seasonal services change often. This guide reflects the network available or announced in September 2026. Confirm operating days, transit rules and baggage rules before you buy a ticket, especially for 2027.
Which Airport Should You Fly Into for Tanzania?
Your first activity decides your best airport. Use this quick guide.
| Your trip | Best arrival airport | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Kilimanjaro climb | JRO | Closest international airport to Moshi, Kibo View Farm Lodge and the mountain trailheads. |
| Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire safari | JRO | Best road access to Arusha and the northern safari circuit. |
| Zanzibar beach holiday | ZNZ | You land on Unguja island and skip a mainland connection. |
| Southern Tanzania safari | DAR | Best hub for Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha and coastal air services. |
| Safari plus Zanzibar | JRO in, ZNZ out | Less backtracking after a northern safari. |
| Kilimanjaro, safari and Zanzibar | JRO in, ZNZ out | The most natural one-way route for many visitors. |
| Western Tanzania or chimpanzee trekking | DAR, then a domestic flight | Connect on to Kigoma or another regional airport. |
Tanzania International Airports: JRO, DAR and ZNZ Explained
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Best Airport for Kilimanjaro and Northern Safaris
Kilimanjaro International Airport sits between Moshi and Arusha. It is the preferred gateway for Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Nyange Adventures can arrange a private transfer from JRO straight to Kibo View Farm Lodge, a comfortable base before and after your climb.
Common connecting hubs include Amsterdam, Doha, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Nairobi and Kigali, depending on the season. You can see the current list of carriers on the airport's airline operators page. Another option is to fly to Nairobi and then connect by air to JRO, or take a scheduled shuttle overland, leaving generous time for the border and traffic.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): Best for Southern Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest aviation hub and normally has the widest mix of domestic, regional and long-haul flights. It is the practical gateway for Nyerere National Park, Mikumi, Ruaha and Mafia Island. It can also be cheaper than JRO at times. If you use DAR for a northern trip, build in a protected domestic connection or an overnight stay.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ): Flights to Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Airports Authority serves ZNZ, which receives year-round regional and Middle Eastern flights, plus seasonal leisure flights from several European countries. Seasonal schedules can be very good value, but operating days change by month. For a climb-and-beach trip, landing at JRO and flying home from ZNZ often saves a full travel day. Read our Zanzibar entry requirements guide before you book.
Other Airports in Tanzania: ARK, MWZ, DOD, MBI, TKQ and MFA
| Airport | Code | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha Airport | ARK | Light aircraft flights to the Serengeti and other northern airstrips. It is not the main international airport. |
| Mwanza Airport | MWZ | Lake Victoria and western Serengeti access. |
| Dodoma Airport | DOD | Tanzania's capital and government travel. |
| Mbeya Songwe Airport | MBI | Southern Highlands. |
| Kigoma Airport | TKQ | Western Tanzania, Lake Tanganyika and chimpanzee circuits. |
| Mafia Airport | MFA | Mafia Island marine experiences. |
Best Flights to Tanzania by Country and Region
Use this table to plan your route. It shows useful hub patterns, not a fixed timetable. A hub on this list does not mean there is a daily or nonstop flight from every city.
| Where you fly from | Useful connection hubs | Usual Tanzania airport |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Dubai | JRO, DAR or ZNZ, with one or two stops |
| Canada | Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa or major US and European hubs | JRO, DAR or ZNZ, with one or two stops |
| United Kingdom | Direct from 2027 (see below), or Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa or Nairobi | JRO, DAR or ZNZ |
| Germany and Central Europe | Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa; some seasonal Zanzibar flights | JRO, DAR or ZNZ |
| France, Benelux and Switzerland | Amsterdam, Paris, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa; seasonal Zanzibar flights | JRO, DAR or ZNZ |
| Italy, Poland, Czechia and Eastern Europe | Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa, Cairo; seasonal leisure flights to Zanzibar | DAR or ZNZ; JRO via a hub |
| Nordic countries | Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha or Addis Ababa | JRO, DAR or ZNZ |
| Middle East | Doha, Dubai, Muscat and other Gulf hubs | DAR, JRO or ZNZ |
| India | Mumbai, or Gulf and East African hubs | DAR, then a domestic flight if needed |
| China and East Asia | Guangzhou, Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa or Istanbul | DAR, then domestic; JRO or ZNZ via a hub |
| Southeast Asia | Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Nairobi or Mumbai | DAR, JRO or ZNZ |
| Australia and New Zealand | Dubai, Doha, Singapore or Asia plus Addis Ababa, or Johannesburg | DAR, JRO or ZNZ, with two flights or more |
| South Africa | Johannesburg, plus direct and regional links | DAR, ZNZ or JRO, depending on schedule |
| East Africa | Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kigali, Entebbe and regional nonstop links | DAR, JRO or ZNZ |
| West Africa | Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali, Istanbul or Doha | DAR, JRO or ZNZ via a hub |
| Latin America and Caribbean | Europe, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg | Usually two stops to DAR, JRO or ZNZ |
Flights From the USA to Tanzania: Are There Direct Flights?
There are generally no routine nonstop passenger flights from the United States to Tanzania. Most trips use one or two connections. From New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities, compare routes through Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Dubai. For a Kilimanjaro trip, search the whole journey to JRO. Do not price only as far as Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
- Best for Kilimanjaro: through Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Addis Ababa or Nairobi to JRO.
- Best for Zanzibar: through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Addis Ababa or Nairobi to ZNZ.
- Best for a southern safari: fly to DAR through a major global or African hub.
Booking tip: choose a single ticket when you can. The airline is then responsible for protected connections and your checked bags.
Flights From Canada to Tanzania
From Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and other cities, you will normally connect through Europe, the Gulf, Türkiye or East Africa. Amsterdam and Istanbul work well for JRO. Doha, Dubai and Addis Ababa give broad access to DAR and ZNZ. If your trip starts at Kilimanjaro and ends in Zanzibar, compare open-jaw prices.
Flights From the UK and Ireland to Tanzania
From London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin and other cities, most travellers connect through Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa or Nairobi. That is about to change. British Airways has announced direct flights from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro, continuing to Zanzibar, from 29 May 2027. Air Tanzania has also announced Gatwick service to Kilimanjaro for July 2027. See the full details in the new routes section below, and check the airline for the final dates before you book.
Flights From Europe to Tanzania
Amsterdam is one of the most useful European gateways for Kilimanjaro. Istanbul has a large connecting network. Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, Rome, Milan, Brussels, Warsaw and Prague may offer seasonal or connecting options, especially to Zanzibar. Because leisure flights can run on only some days or in peak months, match the schedule to the exact start and end dates of your safari.
| European region | Search pattern | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands and Belgium | AMS or BRU to JRO, DAR or ZNZ; check seasonal ZNZ options | Climb, safari and beach |
| Germany, Austria and Switzerland | FRA, MUC, VIE or ZRH via AMS, IST, DOH or ADD; seasonal ZNZ where available | Safari and Zanzibar |
| France | CDG or a regional airport via AMS, IST, DOH or ADD; check seasonal direct options | All Tanzania trips |
| Italy | FCO or MXP via IST, DOH, ADD or CAI; seasonal ZNZ leisure flights | Zanzibar and combinations |
| Spain and Portugal | MAD, BCN or LIS via IST, DOH, AMS or ADD | All Tanzania trips |
| Nordic countries | CPH, ARN, OSL or HEL via AMS, IST, DOH or ADD | Kilimanjaro and safari |
| Central and Eastern Europe | Via IST, DOH, ADD, CAI or seasonal ZNZ leisure flights | Zanzibar and safari |
Flights From Africa to Tanzania
Tanzania is well connected inside Africa. Nairobi is one of the most useful gateways for JRO, DAR and ZNZ. Addis Ababa links Tanzania with Ethiopian Airlines' African and global network. Kigali and Entebbe add East African options, and Johannesburg matters for Southern Africa. Regional flights may be run by Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways, Precision Air, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines and others, depending on route and date.
Flights From the Middle East to Tanzania
Doha, Dubai and Muscat are key gateways for travellers from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. Qatar Airways, Emirates or partner flights, flydubai and Oman Air may serve Tanzania depending on the airport and season. Some JRO flights make an intermediate stop but keep the same flight number, so read your itinerary carefully.
Flights From India, China and Asia to Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is normally the strongest entry point from Asia. Air Tanzania and its partners have developed links involving Mumbai and Guangzhou, and Gulf hubs, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Istanbul add many more options. Travellers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines will normally make one or two connections. For a Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar trip, compare a domestic connection from DAR with a ticket that runs through to JRO or ZNZ.
Flights From Australia and New Zealand to Tanzania
Most trips from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland and other cities use two long flights through Dubai or Doha, or connect through Asia and an African hub. Johannesburg can also help. Plan a recovery night before a Kilimanjaro climb. Starting the trek straight after landing adds fatigue and creates risk if your bags are delayed.
Flights From Latin America and the Caribbean to Tanzania
Travellers from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and the Caribbean usually connect through a European hub, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg. Two-stop trips are common. A through ticket, realistic layovers and an arrival buffer matter most for groups carrying mountain gear.
Tell us where you fly from and your dates. We will recommend the best arrival airport and build your itinerary around it.
Which Airlines Fly to Tanzania?
The network can include Air Tanzania, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, flydubai, Oman Air, EgyptAir, Precision Air and some seasonal leisure airlines. From 2027, British Airways joins the list with flights from London Gatwick. Which airline serves you depends on your airport and travel date, so check the airline or the airport's own route list.
New Flights to Tanzania in 2026 and 2027
Several new routes will change how people reach Tanzania. Treat anything marked as announced or planned as unconfirmed until tickets are on sale.
| Route | What has been reported |
|---|---|
| London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar (British Airways) | Announced to start on 29 May 2027 and run three times a week until 31 October 2027. The flight lands at Kilimanjaro first, then continues to Zanzibar. The return flight leaves from Zanzibar only, so you cannot fly home from Kilimanjaro on this service. |
| London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro (Air Tanzania) | Announced for July 2027. Treat this as planned until the airline confirms dates and opens booking. |
| Cairo to Zanzibar (EgyptAir) | Reported by Tanzania's civil aviation authority to begin in September 2026, adding a North African and global connection. |
| Dar es Salaam to Moscow (Air Tanzania) | Reported to have started in 2026. Check operations close to your travel date, as conditions can change schedules. |
| Wider Air Tanzania growth | Air Tanzania continues to add domestic and international links, which can improve connections between Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and regional cities. |
Because the British Airways service stops at Kilimanjaro before Zanzibar, it suits a climb or northern safari followed by a beach stay. It is the simplest plan for UK travellers, and it runs through the dry season. Read more about timing in our wildebeest migration guide.
How to Get From the Airport to Your Safari, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar Hotel
| Arrival | Next stop | Recommended connection |
|---|---|---|
| JRO | Moshi or Kibo View Farm Lodge | Pre-arranged private road transfer. |
| JRO | Arusha | Private transfer. Drive time varies with traffic. |
| JRO | Serengeti | Road safari through the northern circuit, or a transfer to ARK for a light aircraft. |
| DAR | Nyerere National Park | Domestic light aircraft, or an arranged road journey. |
| DAR | Zanzibar | Short domestic flight. A ferry is possible but needs a separate airport-to-port transfer. |
| ZNZ | Kilimanjaro | Domestic or regional flight to JRO. Check whether it is nonstop or routed via DAR. |
| NBO | JRO or northern Tanzania | Connecting flight, or a scheduled road shuttle through the Kenya-Tanzania border. |
Flights to Arusha, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
There is no major international airport in Arusha itself. Fly into JRO, then drive to Arusha, or continue to the northern parks by road. For a quick trip into the Serengeti, you can fly from Arusha Airport (ARK) in a light aircraft. Do not confuse ARK with JRO, as they are different airports. Browse our budget safaris, the 4-day Northern Tanzania safari and the 7-day family safari to see how the northern circuit starts from JRO.
How to Book Flights to Tanzania: 10 Tips to Save Time and Money
- Choose the airport around your trip. JRO is usually best for Kilimanjaro and the northern safari, DAR for southern Tanzania, and ZNZ for a beach-first holiday.
- Search multi-city fares. Try arriving at JRO and leaving from ZNZ for a climb, safari and beach combination.
- Protect your first day. Arrive at least one full day before a climb or fixed safari start. Two nights is better after a long trip.
- Keep connections on one ticket. Separate tickets can be cheaper, but you carry the risk of missed connections and lost bags.
- Check baggage rules on every airline. Light safari aircraft often have lower weight limits and may require soft bags.
- Do not assume the same flight number means nonstop. Some flights stop in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or another airport on the way.
- Check transit rules. Visa, yellow fever papers and transit rules depend on your nationality and route, and they can change.
- Confirm the airport code. Arusha Airport (ARK) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) are different airports.
- Compare the total cost. Add hotel nights, domestic flights, transfers and missed-connection cover before you pick the lowest fare.
- Reconfirm before you leave. Check your booking, flight times and entry rules shortly before departure.
Tanzania Entry Requirements Before You Fly: Visa and Insurance
A flight is only one part of getting in. Most visitors need a visa, and from 1 October 2026 eligible foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must also hold the new mandatory inbound travel insurance, which costs the shilling equivalent of USD 44 and lasts up to 92 days. Read our full guide to Tanzania mandatory travel insurance before you book, and our Tanzania visa guide for fees and the e-Visa process. If you plan to climb, also read our Kilimanjaro rescue guide so you know what your private insurance must cover.
Best Flight Plan for a Kilimanjaro, Safari or Zanzibar Trip
Flights for a Kilimanjaro Climb Only
Book to JRO and arrive one or two nights before the trek. Stay near Moshi. Nyange Adventures can arrange your airport transfer, mountain briefing, gear check and stay at Kibo View Farm Lodge. See all our Kilimanjaro packages, explore our Kilimanjaro routes, join a scheduled departure on our group climbs page, or look at Mount Meru trekking as a warm-up.
Flights for a Northern Tanzania Safari
Fly into JRO for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Your trip can start from Moshi or Arusha with a private guide and vehicle. See what a safari costs in our Tanzania safari cost guide, and what to bring in our safari packing list.
Flights for a Kilimanjaro, Safari and Zanzibar Trip
The efficient plan is to land at JRO, climb Kilimanjaro, do a northern safari, then fly to Zanzibar and go home from ZNZ. If the international fare is much better from DAR, add a short Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam flight and leave a safe time margin. Our Zanzibar beach holidays are built to follow a climb or safari.
Flights for a Southern Safari and Zanzibar
Arrive through DAR, connect to Nyerere, Mikumi or Ruaha, then continue to Zanzibar. Depending on your route, light aircraft can cut long road transfers.
How Early Should You Arrive Before Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Arrive at least one full day before your trek starts. Two nights protects you better against tiredness, delayed bags and missed connections.
How Nyange Adventures Helps With Your Tanzania Flights
Tell us where you travel from, your dates and whether your priority is Kilimanjaro, safari, Zanzibar or all three. We recommend the most practical arrival airport, build the itinerary around realistic flight times, and arrange your airport transfers, accommodation, climb, safari and island extension. We can help you plan the best arrival and departure airports. Please confirm air ticketing options when you enquire.
Flights to Tanzania FAQ
What is the best airport to fly into for Tanzania?
It depends on your trip. Choose JRO for Kilimanjaro and northern safaris, DAR for southern Tanzania and the widest mainland network, or ZNZ for Zanzibar.
Are there direct flights from the USA to Tanzania?
Routine nonstop service is generally not available. Most US travellers connect through Europe, the Middle East or Africa.
What airport should I use for Mount Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro International Airport, code JRO, is the main international gateway. It is different from Arusha Airport, code ARK.
Can I fly directly to Zanzibar?
Yes. Zanzibar receives regional and Middle Eastern flights and a changing mix of seasonal European flights. Check your exact travel dates.
Should I fly to Nairobi for a Tanzania safari?
Nairobi can be a useful connection. Continue by air to JRO, DAR or ZNZ, or take an overland shuttle to northern Tanzania and leave enough time for the border crossing.
How early should I arrive before climbing Kilimanjaro?
Arrive at least one full day before the trek. Two nights give better protection against fatigue, delayed bags and missed connections.
Can I fly into Kilimanjaro and depart from Zanzibar?
Yes. A multi-city or open-jaw ticket is often the most efficient option for a climb, safari and Zanzibar trip.
Which airlines fly to Tanzania?
The network can include Air Tanzania, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, flydubai, Oman Air, EgyptAir, Precision Air and seasonal leisure airlines. Availability differs by airport and date.
Do domestic flights include the same baggage allowance as international flights?
Not always. Small safari aircraft often have strict weight and bag-shape limits. Check each flight before you pack.
Will Nyange Adventures arrange my flights?
Nyange Adventures can help plan the best arrival and departure airports around your climb, safari and Zanzibar itinerary and coordinate your ground services and transfers. Please confirm air ticketing availability when you enquire.
When do British Airways flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar start?
British Airways has announced direct flights from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro, continuing to Zanzibar, from 29 May 2027, three times a week until 31 October 2027. Check the airline for confirmed dates and fares.
Do I need travel insurance to fly to Tanzania?
From 1 October 2026, eligible foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must hold the mandatory inbound travel insurance, which costs the shilling equivalent of USD 44. You should also keep your own comprehensive travel insurance.
Official Airport and Airline Sources for Tanzania Flights
Last reviewed 1 October 2026. Airline schedules may change. Route details were checked against official airport, airline and civil aviation information and recent aviation news from September 2026. New and seasonal routes can change or disappear, so we review this page every quarter. Use these official pages to confirm your flight: