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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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)) generally receives positive reviews from recent travelers, who appreciate its role as a convenient and efficient gateway for domestic and safari flights within Tanzania. While often described as a smaller, more intimate airport compared to its international counterpart, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), recent upgrades have introduced international flight handling capabilities and enhanced services. Travelers frequently praise the friendly staff and smooth processes, making for a stress-free start or end to their journeys.
What Travelers Love
- Convenient Location: The airport is situated approximately 8-10 kilometers from Arusha city center, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Efficient Processes: Travelers consistently report quick check-in and simplified security checks, contributing to a pleasant experience.
- Friendly Staff: The staff are frequently described as kind, helpful, and professional.
- Cleanliness and Modernity: Despite its small size, the terminal is noted for being clean and, in some cases, recently renovated and modern.
- Gateway to Safaris: Arusha Airport is highly valued for its direct connections to numerous national parks like the Serengeti and Manyara, as well as to Zanzibar, utilizing smaller aircraft for safari charters.
- Scenic Views: Boarding directly from the runway offers travelers stunning views of Mount Meru, and sometimes even Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
- New International Capabilities: As of June 2025, Arusha Airport has undergone significant upgrades, enabling it to handle international flights, including the introduction of immigration and customs services, and plans for 24-hour operations.
Common Complaints
- Limited Facilities: While improving, the airport's facilities are still considered basic, with some travelers noting the absence of extensive duty-free shopping or a wide range of dining options.
- Inconsistent WiFi Availability: Experiences with WiFi vary; some sources indicate it is available but slow, while others state it may not be available.
- Security Scrutiny (Past Reviews): Older reviews mentioned instances of security officers being distracted and repetitive security checks, though recent feedback suggests improved efficiency.
- Cash-Only for Taxis: While not a complaint about the airport itself, taxis from the airport often require cash payments (USD or TZS), which can be inconvenient for some travelers.
Overall, Arusha Airport offers a generally positive and convenient experience for travelers, particularly those on domestic routes or connecting to safari adventures. Recent significant upgrades, including the introduction of international flight handling and expanded facilities, are likely to further enhance its appeal and efficiency, although some traditional limitations of a smaller regional airport may still be present.
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Airport Routes
Arusha Airport (ARK) offers 23 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
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Zanzibar (ZNZ) new
- Dar es Salaam (DAR) new
- Mwanza (MWZ) new
- Seronera (SEU) new
- Kilimanjaro Int'l (JRO) new
- Wilson (WIL) new
- Lake Manyara (LKY) new
- Grumeti (GTZ) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar | ZNZ |
Zanzibar | ATR | Flightlink | 147 flights · 266 mi | |
| Lake Manyara | LKY |
Lake Manyara | C208 | Air Excel | 117 flights · 56 mi | |
| Seronera | SEU |
Seronera | DH8B | Auric Air Services | 115 flights · 140 mi | |
| Lake Manyara | LKY |
Lake Manyara | C208 | Regional Air | 90 flights · 56 mi | |
| Seronera | SEU |
Seronera | C208 | Air Excel | 69 flights · 140 mi | |
| Zanzibar | ZNZ |
Zanzibar | AT72 | Precision Air | 63 flights · 266 mi | |
| Zanzibar | ZNZ |
Zanzibar | DH8B | Air Tanzania | 55 flights · 266 mi | |
| Seronera | SEU |
Seronera | E120 | Flightlink | 53 flights · 140 mi | |
| Kilimanjaro Int'l | JRO |
Mount Kilimanjaro | C208 | Air Excel | 52 flights · 31 mi | |
| Lake Manyara | LKY |
Lake Manyara | C208 | Coastal Aviation | 52 flights · 56 mi | |
| Seronera | SEU |
Seronera | DH8A | Regional Air | 47 flights · 140 mi | |
| Zanzibar | ZNZ |
Zanzibar | DH8A | Auric Air Services | 37 flights · 266 mi | |
| Grumeti | GTZ |
— | DH8A | Regional Air | 34 flights · 186 mi | |
| Wilson | WIL |
Nairobi | C208 | Safarilink Aviation | 33 flights · 142 mi | |
| Zanzibar | ZNZ |
Zanzibar | DH8A | Regional Air | 28 flights · 266 mi | |
| Lake Manyara | LKY |
Lake Manyara | ATR | Flightlink | 24 flights · 56 mi | |
| Dar es Salaam | DAR |
Dar es Salaam | ATR | Flightlink | 20 flights · 300 mi | |
| Seronera | SEU |
Seronera | AT43 | Precision Air | 20 flights · 140 mi | |
| Mwanza | MWZ |
Mwanza | ATR | Flightlink | 15 flights · 500 mi | |
| Lake Manyara | LKY |
Lake Manyara | DH8B | Auric Air Services | 12 flights · 56 mi | |
| Kilimanjaro Int'l | JRO |
Mount Kilimanjaro | C208 | Regional Air | 8 flights · 31 mi | |
| Zanzibar | ZNZ |
Zanzibar | C208 | CSV | 2 flights · 266 mi | |
| Kilimanjaro Int'l | JRO |
Mount Kilimanjaro | C208 | Auric Air Services | 2 flights · 31 mi |
Top Airlines
Operating at Arusha AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flightlink
FLZ
/ YS
|
5 | 259 | 5 | May 10, 2026 |
|
Air Excel
XLL
|
3 | 238 | 3 | Mar 13, 2026 |
|
Regional Air
REG
/ 8N
|
5 | 207 | 5 | Mar 13, 2026 |
Auric Air Services
AUK
/ UI
|
4 | 166 | 4 | Mar 13, 2026 |
Precision Air
PRF
/ PW
|
2 | 83 | 2 | May 10, 2026 |
Air Tanzania
ATC
/ TC
|
1 | 55 | 1 | May 10, 2026 |
Coastal Aviation
CSV
/ CQ
|
2 | 54 | 2 | May 10, 2026 |
Safarilink Aviation
XLK
/ F2
|
1 | 33 | 1 | Mar 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 |
Ground Transportation
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.
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