Arusha Airport has officially begun handling international flights, following a major infrastructure upgrade completed in mid-2025. The announcement was made in June by Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Christian Makonda, marking a significant milestone for Tanzania’s aviation and tourism sectors.
The development, spearheaded by the Tanzania Airports Authority, includes the addition of immigration and customs services effectively transforming the once domestic-only airport into an international gateway. Regional flights to Nairobi, Kenya, are already in operation through carriers such as Safarilink and AirKenya.
The upgrade, with an investment of TZS 11 billion (approximately €3.3 million), features extended runways, newly installed landing and taxiway lights, and expanded terminal facilities. These improvements now enable 24-hour operations and significantly boost passenger handling capacity from 150 to 1,000 travelers at a time.
Previously, international tourists heading to Tanzania's northern safari circuit were required to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, located 50 km away, or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, followed by extended overland travel. With Arusha Airport now accommodating international arrivals, travel time to iconic destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Park is expected to drop significantly.
The modernized terminal now features enhanced passenger amenities, including duty-free shops, a restaurant, advanced security screening, and transport services such as taxis and hotel shuttles aimed at improving the overall travel experience.
While the airport is fully operational for regional international flights, no long-haul services have yet been confirmed. However, officials remain optimistic that the expanded capacity and improved infrastructure will attract additional carriers and routes in the near future.