Kilimanjaro Airport

History of Kilimanjaro Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport first opened in 1971 as a small regional airport. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions and upgrades to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and cargo.

In 2003, the airport underwent a significant renovation and expansion program, which included the construction of a new terminal building, a second runway, and a modern cargo terminal.

Today, the airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the region, connecting Tanzania to several international destinations.

Location and Accessibility of the Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport is located in the town of Hai, Kilimanjaro region, approximately 40 kilometres east of Arusha. The airport is easily accessible by road, with several taxis and shuttle services available for transportation to and from Arusha and Moshi, the nearest town to Mount Kilimanjaro.

• The airport is also served by several airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and RwandAir, among others.
• These airlines offer direct flights to several international destinations, including Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, and Nairobi.
• Additionally, several domestic airlines, including Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and Auric Air, operate daily flights to various destinations across Tanzania. This includes Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Serengeti National Park.

Kilimanjaro International Airport is equipped with modern facilities, including a VIP lounge, duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services. The airport is also well-equipped to handle cargo shipments, with a modern cargo terminal capable of handling over 50,000 tons of cargo annually.

Flight Options to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Many airlines offer direct flights toKilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) from different international destinations. Here are some of the more popular airlines that operate flights to Kilimanjaro Airport:

Name Of The Airline	Origin	Flight Schedule
Klm Royal Dutch Airlines	Amsterdam	Monday, Wednesday, And Friday
Qatar Airways	Doha	Daily
Turkish Airlines	Istanbul	Monday, Thursday, And Saturday
Ethiopian Airlines	Addis Abba	Daily
Rwandair	Kigali	Daily

In addition to these airlines, several other airlines operate flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from various destinations across Africa and the Middle East. These airlines include Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, and Precision Air, among others.

Some Insider Tips from our experts:

• The most convenient way to fly to Kilimanjaro from the Northern Hemisphere is from Amsterdam, from a direct KLM flight
• This flight departs Amsterdam around 10:00 am every day and arrives at Kilimanjaro Airport at 8:30 pm on the same day.
• For US, UK, and European travellers, the easiest way is to take a flight to Amsterdam from the nearest airport (almost every major airport in Europe, the US, and the UK has direct flights to Amsterdam). Then, from Amsterdam, you can catch a KLM flight to Kilimanjaro

Interesting Facts about Kilimanjaro International Airport

The following are some fascinating facts about Kilimanjaro Airport, this will help you know more about where you’ll spend a bit of time waiting for flights:

• The top 5 Airline serving JRO – KLM, Qatar, Ethiopian Airlines, Condor Air, Kenya Airways
• Number of serving airlines (in total) – 12
• Number of terminals 1
• Number of Runways 1.
• Number of direct destinations 5
• Number of passengers (million passengers per annum) – 643,000
• Length of the Primary runway (in metres) – 3,600

Cheap Flight Alternatives for Kilimanjaro

If you're planning for Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages, one of the biggest expenses you'll face is the cost of airfare. But, with a little bit of research and some flexibility in your travel plans, you can find cheap flight alternatives that can help reduce your overall trip expenses.

The following are some flight alternatives you should consider:

• Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines is one of the most popular airlines for Kilimanjaro climbers, with flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from major cities around the world. They often offer competitive prices, and the quality of their service is highly regarded.
• Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways also offers flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport, with connections through their hub in Doha. They are known for their excellent service and modern fleet.
• Kenyan Airways and Ethiopian Airways: Both offer flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from major cities in Africa and beyond. They are often a good option for those travelling from neighbouring countries.
• From Southern Africa: For those travelling from southern Africa, several airlines offer flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport, including South African Airways, Air Tanzania, and Fastjet. These airlines often offer affordable prices and convenient connections.
• British Airways: British Airways offers flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from their hub in London. While they may not always offer the lowest prices, their service and reliability are highly regarded.

Note – By opting for the above choices, you can find affordable options without sacrificing the quality of your travel experience.

On-Airport Experience

There are a lot of ground transportation options from Kilimanjaro Airport. Below we’ve described them in detail:

TRANSPORTATION OPTION	DESCRIPTION
Airport Shuttle	Private airport shuttle services are available for hire to various destinations in the region.
Car Rental	Several car rental companies have booths at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
Taxi	Taxis are available outside the terminal building. Fares are negotiable.
Public Transportation	Local buses and mini-buses are available outside the airport terminal, but their schedules can be unreliable.

Just outside the premises of Kilimanjaro Airport, there’s a large crowd of drivers waiting to pick up the passengers. We at African Scenic Safaris offer airport transfer services to our guests. They have to be booked ahead of time.

• When you book transfers with us, look for the friendly driver wearing a brown African Scenic Safaris shirt and holding up a sign with your name on it.
• They will help you in carrying your bags and then drive you to the Tanzania Accommodations.
• When you are departing Tanzania, it’s advised that you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport a few hours in advance.
• Also, remember that you won’t be able to get your boarding pass from the booth until it’s within three hours of departure.
• Thus, don’t arrive at the airport more than three hours beforehand and if you do, you’ll have to wait for a while.

After getting your passport and boarding pass, you’ll clear security and enter the common waiting room. There are six gates at Kilimanjaro International Airport and the seating at the gate faces outdoors (because of the glass panel) so that you can see your plane when it arrives.

Some last-minute shopping options are also available at the airport. Adjacent to the common area, there’s a range of shops, including:

• Book Shops
• Garment Shops
• Gemstones and Jewelry Shops
• Souvenir and Snack Shops
• Currency Exchange establishments
• Duty-Free Shops

There are a couple of business class and VIP lounges at the airport. They are available specifically for business class passengers but it’s possible to buy access to these lounges. And yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Accommodation Options near Kilimanjaro Airport

After you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you need someplace to stay to relax and get over your jet lag. Thankfully, there are a lot of accommodations nearby the airport that you can pick from. The following are some of our recommendations:

NAME OF THE ACCOMMODATION	DISTANCE FROM THE AIRPORT
KIA Lodge	1.5 km.
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel	2 km.
Kili Villa	3km.
Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge	15km.
Mount Meru Game Lodge	25km.

Note – Remember that pre and post-accommodations before your Kilimanjaro climb or safari won’t be covered by our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages or Tanzania Safari Packages

Mount Kilimanjaro Distance and Cost from other Airports

The distance from Nairobi Airport (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) to Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately 240 kilometres (149 miles) via road. The driving time is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and border crossing procedures.

• Whereas, the distance from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam to Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately 680 kilometres (422 miles) via road. The driving time is approximately 9-10 hours.
• To travel from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro National Park, you can take a flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
• From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Kilimanjaro National Park, which is located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) away.

The cost of the flight and the taxi or shuttle ride will depend on the airline and service provider you choose. It's best to check with individual service providers for up-to-date pricing information.

Tips for Travelling Through Kilimanjaro Airport

Below we’ll offer you some tips for when you eventually fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and how to get around and travel through.

TIPS	DESCRIPTION
Arrive Early	It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time.
Carry Proper Identification	Make sure you have valid identification, such as a passport, when travelling through Kilimanjaro Airport.
Check Visa Requirements	Check whether you require a visa to enter Tanzania and obtain one in advance if necessary.
Pack Appropriately	Pack according to the baggage allowance of your airline, and be aware of any restrictions on prohibited items.
Be Aware of Health Risks	There’s a risk of malaria in some regions of the country, so take appropriate precautions and consult your doctor before travelling.
Use Reliable Transportation	Use only reliable and licensed taxi services or hire a private car from a reputable company.
Exchange Currency in Advance	Exchange currency in advance or withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport to avoid unfavourable exchange rates.
Learn Basic Swahili Phrases	Learning basic Swahili phrases can help you communicate with locals and make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Facilities and Services Available At Kilimanjaro Airport

There are a lot of facilities and services available at Kilimanjaro airport that will keep you occupied while you wait for your flight. Here are some examples:

FACILITIES/SERVICES	DESCRIPTIONS
ATMs	Multiple ATMs are available in the terminal building.
Currency Exchange	Currency exchange services are available in the terminal building.
Duty-Free Shops	Duty-free shopping is available in the departure lounge.
Food and Beverage	A variety of dining options are available, including fast food, cafes, and restaurants.
Information Desk	An information desk is available to assist passengers with any inquiries
Medical Services	Medical services are available at the airport, including a first aid station and ambulance services.
Prayer Room	A prayer room is available for passengers of all faiths.
Wi-Fi	Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

Moreover, Kilimanjaro International Airport is located near several popular tourist destinations, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Visitors can arrange for tours or transportation to these destinations at the airport.

Why Choose Kilimanjaro Airport for your travel needs?

On the whole, Kilimanjaro Airport plays an integral role in serving both regional and international flights that land in Tanzania. And, as reflected in this post it’s the fundamental gateway for exploring the attractions of Tanzania. Hopefully, you’ve learned a bit of information about why you should choose this airport for all your travel needs in Tanzania.