Arusha Airport (ARK)

Arusha, TZ 🇹🇿 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

HTAR

IATA

ARK

Elevation

4550 ft

Region

TZ-01

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: HTAR

Local Code: Not available

Location: -3.36779° N, 36.633301° E

Continent: Africa

Type: Medium Airport

What Travelers Say

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Online Reviews Summary

Arusha Airport (HTAR (ARK)) is generally viewed positively by recent travelers, particularly appreciating its role as an efficient gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Recent upgrades in mid-2025 have significantly enhanced its capabilities, transforming it into an international gateway with improved facilities and services.

What Travelers Love
  • Kind and Friendly Staff: Travelers consistently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the airport staff, making for a pleasant experience.
  • Efficient Check-in and Security (especially for domestic): The check-in process is often described as quick and straightforward, and security checks for domestic flights are simplified.
  • Strategic Location: Its proximity, approximately 8 kilometers from Arusha's city center, makes it highly convenient for accessing safari destinations.
  • Recent Infrastructure Upgrades: Mid-2025 saw significant investments, enabling 24-hour operations and increasing passenger capacity from 150 to 1,000 travelers, alongside extended runways and new lighting.
  • New International Services: The airport now offers full immigration and customs services, allowing for direct international flights, such as to Nairobi, Kenya, since June 2025.
Common Complaints
  • Previously Basic Facilities: Before recent upgrades, the airport was often described as very small and basic with limited amenities and a small waiting area.
  • Inconsistent Cleanliness: While some reviews note clean facilities, others have found cleanliness to be "unpopular" or "not always spotless."
  • Limited Food and Retail Options (Historically): Past reviews highlighted very limited food and gift shop choices, particularly airside. However, recent upgrades include a new restaurant and duty-free shops.
  • Slow/No Wi-Fi: While some sources mention free Wi-Fi, it is often described as slow or was previously unavailable.
  • Security Distractions (Older Reviews): Some older reviews noted security officers being distracted by personal phones during checks, leading to a less attentive experience.

With its recent upgrades enabling international flights and 24-hour operations, Arusha Airport is poised to offer a more convenient and modern experience for travelers, solidifying its role as a key hub for Tanzanian tourism.

Last updated: 74 days ago
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Airport Routes

Arusha Airport (ARK) offers 22 flight routes operated by 8 airlines. Major carriers include Flightlink, Air Excel, Regional Air and others. Popular destinations from Arusha include Zanzibar, Lake Manyara, Seronera, Kilimanjaro Int'l and Wilson.

Route Network Map

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Popular Flight Routes

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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Arusha Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Flightlink
FLZ / YS
5 246 5 Feb 13, 2026
3 221 3 Feb 13, 2026
5 191 5 Feb 13, 2026
4 155 4 Feb 13, 2026
2 78 2 Feb 10, 2026
1 51 1 Feb 7, 2026
1 48 1 Feb 13, 2026
1 27 1 Feb 13, 2026

For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
09/27 5377 ft 105 ft BIT Active

Type Description Frequency
TWR TWR 118.4 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
AR Arusha NDB 391 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Taxis are the most common and convenient way to get from Arusha Airport (ARK) to the city center. They are readily available outside the terminal building. Fares are not metered, so it is essential to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey. It is recommended to use registered airport taxis for safety.

Rental Cars

Several local and national car rental companies serve Arusha Airport. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, as on-site options can be limited. A representative from the rental company will typically meet you at the airport upon your arrival. Options for both self-drive and vehicles with a dedicated driver are available.

Public Transportation

There are no formal, scheduled public bus or train services that directly serve the Arusha Airport terminal. The local minibuses, known as 'dala-dalas', operate on the main roads nearby, but this is not a practical or recommended option for travelers with luggage. For direct transport, taxis or pre-arranged hotel/tour operator shuttles are the primary choices.

AI-Generated Content: This ground transportation information was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; please verify with official airport or transportation provider websites before traveling.

Nearby Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport
JRO • HTKJ
Arusha, TZ
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~49 km away
Amboseli Airport
ASV • HKAM
Amboseli National Park, KE
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~106 km away
Kilimanjaro International Airport
JRO • HTKJ
Arusha, TZ
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~49 km away
Lake Manyara Airport
LKY • HTLM
Lake Manyara National Park, TZ
Medium Airport
~91 km away
Amboseli Airport
ASV • HKAM
Amboseli National Park, KE
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~106 km away
West Kilimanjaro Airport
HTWK
West Kilimanjaro, TZ
Small Airport
~54 km away
Kitumbeine Airport
TZ-0079
Kitumbeine, TZ
Small Airport
~70 km away
Moshi Airport
QSI • HTMS
Moshi, TZ
Small Airport
~77 km away
Mountain Side Airport
TZ-0103
Moshi, TZ
Small Airport
~78 km away
TPC Airport
TZ-0118
NoneTZ
Small Airport
~78 km away
Tarangire 2 Airport
TZ-0022
Tarangire, TZ
Small Airport
~80 km away
Merugoi Airport
TZ-0099
Longido, TZ
Small Airport
~90 km away
Namanga Airport
KE-6123
Namanga, KE
Small Airport
~93 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.