Kilimanjaro Airport
By Simbo Natai
Kilimanjaro Airport is a gateway for visitors to fly in and out of Tanzania for Kilimanjaro climbing and safari trips. The airport is just 40 minutes away from the town of Moshi and about an hour away from Arusha City, making it easier for travelers to begin their adventures as soon as they land.
This post will describe everything there’s to know about Kilimanjaro Airport and give you a list of airlines you can utilize. Plus, our personal touches of helpful information will be spread across the sections.
Ready To Fly Via Kilimanjaro Airport
Background & 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 increase in numbers of passengers as well as cargo.
In the year 2003, the airport saw a significant renovation and expansion program. This included the construction of a new terminal building, another runway, and a modern cargo terminal.
Location And Accessibility
To start things off, we’ll look at Where is Kilimanjaro Airport and the different ways of accessing it.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is in Hai, Kilimanjaro region, about 45 kilometers east of Arusha. Here are the different ways you can access the airport:
By Road – The airport is accessible by road from the nearby towns of Moshi and Arusha. It takes around 1 hour to drive from Arusha to the airport, depending on traffic conditions.
Using Shuttle Services – Several tour operators and hotels offer shuttle services to and from Kilimanjaro Airport. These services can be pre-arranged and it’s advised that you check with your accommodation and operator about the availability.
We at African Scenic Safaris offer airport transfers included in your package to and from the Tanzania Destinations you plan to visit.
Start a Kili adventure on the right foot
Choose Kilimanjaro International Airport for seamless connections and hassle-free travel.
Terminal Facilities And Amenities
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) offers convenient facilities and amenities to ensure a pleasant travel experience. Here are some key features of the Closest Airport to Kilimanjaro:
Terminal Building – The modern terminal accommodates both domestic and international flights, providing a range of services to meet passenger needs.
Check-in and Security – Multiple check-in counters are available for airlines operating at the airport, with strict security measures in place for passenger safety.
Departure Lounge – Passengers can relax in the departure lounge, which offers seating, shops, and eateries. Comfortable seating, charging points, and free Wi-Fi are provided.
Duty-Free Shopping – Explore duty-free shops offering a variety of products, including local crafts, clothing, accessories, and electronics.
Restaurants and Cafes – Enjoy a meal or snack at the airport's restaurants and cafes, offering a selection of local and international cuisines.
Currency Exchange and Banking – Convenient currency exchange services and ATMs are available for foreign currency conversion and other banking needs.
Car Rental – Various car rental companies have desks at the airport for easy transportation arrangements.
Medical Services – The airport provides medical facilities for minor emergencies, with nearby hospitals or clinics available for more significant medical issues.
Wi-Fi and Internet Access – Stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building.
Accessibility – Facilities for passengers with disabilities include accessible restrooms, ramps, and designated parking spaces.
More Stuff To Know
Find more public facilities available inside Kilimanjaro International Airport by following this link - https://www.kilimanjaroairport.go.tz/pages/public-facilities
An African Escape Simplified!
With direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from various International destinations.
Airlines Operating At Kilimanjaro Airport
Many airlines offer direct flights to Kilimanjaro 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 |
Connecting Flights To Kilimanjaro Airport
In addition, here is a list of airlines offering connecting Flights To Kilimanjaro International Airport:
| NAME OF THE AIRLINE | CONNECTING CITY |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Qatar Airways | Doha, Qatar |
| KLM | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Emirates | Dubai, UAE |
| South African Airways | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| RwandAir | Kigali, Rwanda |
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 travelers, 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.
Flying to Kilimanjaro couldn’t be easier
At Kilimanjaro International Airport's state-of-the-art terminal facilities.
Arrival And Departure Procedures
The check-in counters at Kilimanjaro International Airport open three hours before departure. They close one hour before international departure and 45 minutes before domestic departure.
All the passengers are advised to bring their confirmed booking ticket and all essential travel documents with them while traveling. There are staff members who will assist you during the check-in process. All your travel documents will be checked along with the luggage weight during check-in.
A Flight of Discovery
With a lineup of several prestigious airlines at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
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 mini buses are available outside the airport terminal, but their schedules differ as they await to get full before they begin their journey. |
Just outside the premises of Mount 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 holding up a sign with your name on it with the African Scenic Safaris Logo quite visible.
- They will help you in carrying your bags and then drive you to the accommodation.
- When you are departing Tanzania, it’s advised that you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport a few hours in advance.
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.
Recent Developments At Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport is exploring partnerships with airlines to introduce new direct flight routes to international destinations.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport has received recognition for its sustainability efforts, including initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
- The airport is working on upgrading its runway and taxiway infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency.
- The airport authorities are collaborating with local stakeholders to promote tourism and showcase the cultural heritage of the Kilimanjaro region.
Clutch Ultimate Aerial Convenience
A curated selection of boutiques and duty-free stores await your shopping binge at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Tips For Traveling 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 | DESCRIPTIONS |
| Arrive Early | It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two to three 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 | Consult your doctor before traveling. |
| Respect Local Customs | Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly, especially when traveling to religious sites. |
| 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. There is also Forex Exchange available within the country. |
| Learn Basic Swahili Phrases | Learning basic Swahili phrases can help you communicate with locals and make your travel experience more enjoyable. |
Hotels And Accommodations 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. |
| Airport Planet Lodge | 2 km. |
Note :Remember that pre- and post-accommodations before your Kilimanjaro climb or safari won’t be covered by our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages or safari packages unless planned accordingly with our Travel experts.
Secure yourself a spot at Kilimanjaro’s Top!
With the help of our all-inclusive and tailor-made Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kilimanjaro Airport Code is JRO.
Several airlines operate flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport, including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and RwandAir.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is located about 35 km (25 miles) east of Moshi town and 45 km west of Arusha town.
Yes, visitors from most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. However, it's recommended to obtain a visa in advance to avoid delays.
Yes, there are public buses and taxis available at the airport that can take you to Moshi town. However, it's recommended to arrange transportation with your tour operator or hotel in advance.
Indeed, there are currency exchange offices at Kilimanjaro International Airport, as well as several ATMs where you can withdraw Tanzanian shillings or US dollars.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 45 km away from Arusha. A drive from the airport to the city typically takes approximately 1 hour.
It is recommended to arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Yes, there are duty-free shops at Kilimanjaro Airport. This is where you can buy everything from candies to last-minute gifts and souvenirs.
Yes, there are medical facilities available at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Popular destinations that can be reached from Kilimanjaro Airport include Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg, and various other domestic and international destinations.
Yes, there are hotels located near Kilimanjaro Airport that can be booked for convenient accommodation.
Yes, there are lounges available at Kilimanjaro Airport for passengers to relax and wait for their flights.
Yes, there are various dining options including restaurants, cafes, and snack bars at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Kilimanjaro Airport is approximately 46 kilometres (29 miles) from Mount Kilimanjaro.
Yes, there is parking available at Kilimanjaro Airport for both short-term and long-term stays.
Yes, there are baggage storage facilities available at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Why Choose Kilimanjaro Airport For Your Travel Needs?
On the whole, Kilimanjaro Airport is a key hub for both regional and international flights in Tanzania, serving as the main gateway for exploring the country's attractions. It's the ideal choice for all your travel needs in Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro Airport stands as a bustling transportation hub, connecting the world to the wilderness and diverse wildlife that await in Tanzania's renowned national parks along with the majesty that is Mount Kilimanjaro. Now, it’s time for you to access its much-awaited terminals!
Safaris In Tanzania during the green season are more budget-friendly. Yet, the dry season is the optimal time for a safari. So, you should select when to go on a safari based on your preferences.
Safaris In Tanzania during the green season are more budget-friendly. Yet, the dry you should select when to go on a safari based on your preferences.
Safaris In Tanzania during the green season are more budget-friendly. Yet, your preferences.
Simbo Natai
Simbo Natai was born and raised on the foothills of Kilimanjaro. After completing Secondary School, he attended Tourism College, where he discovered his love for African wildlife. Simbo started in the industry as a guide, Climbing Kilimanjaro before specializing as a safari guide. He runs the logistics of African Scenic Safaris and will be behind the scenes, ensuring your safari or climb is perfectly organized.
