Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO) provides a convenient way for visitors to fly in and out of Tanzania for their climb and safari trips. It is the closest airport to Kilimanjaro, located just 40 minutes from the gateway towns of Moshi and Arusha by vehicle, which makes it easy to begin your adventure soon after you arrive.
Direct Flights
Several international airlines operate flights to Kilimanjaro Airport, including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways and KLM. Several regional airlines fly here from local hubs, including Air Tanzania and Precision Air.
Direct flights to Kilimanjaro Airport originate from only two major international hubs, Doha with Qatar Airlines and Amsterdam with KLM. There are no direct flights to Kilimanjaro from the USA or Canada.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will deplane on the tarmac. Inside the building, you will need to clear immigration. There are lines for people who have their visa already and lines for people who are getting their visa on arrival. Be sure to stand in the correct queue.
Once you are through security, grab your checked baggage and head for the exit. You will be required to scan your baggage before leaving.
There is usually a crowd of drivers just outside the airport who are waiting to pick up their passengers. Ultimate Kilimanjaro provides pick up and drop off services to our clients. These must be pre-booked ahead of time. If you have transfers booked with us, look for the friendly driver wearing a blue Ultimate Kilimanjaro shirt and holding a sign with your name on it. He will help you carry your bags to the vehicle and then drive you to your hotel.
Departure from Kilimanjaro Airport
When you are departing Tanzania, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your flight time. Note that you will not be able to get your boarding pass from the airline booth until it is within three hours of your departure. So do not come to the airport more than three hours beforehand or you will have to wait until the airline booth is open for your flight.
With your boarding pass and passport, you clear security and enter the common waiting area. There are six gates at Kilimanjaro airport. The seating at the gate faces outdoors through large windows so you can see your plane as it arrives.
Restrooms are located downstairs.
Shopping
If you want to do some last minute shopping, you are in luck. Next to the common waiting area is a row of shops, including a:
a) Book shop
b) Garment Shop
c) Souvenir and Snack Shop
d) Gemstones & Jewelry Shop
e) Currency Exchange
f) Duty Free Shop
These stores will have the same items you have probably seen over and over again while touring the country albeit at higher prices.
Restaurants
There is a restaurant with a bar and comfortable booths.
In the center space, the restaurant seating area has wooden tables and chairs.
Upstairs, there is another cafe.
And plenty of additional seating.
Airport Lounges
Two business / VIP lounges are available for business class passengers or qualified passengers with flying status. It is also possible to purchase access to these lounges. And yes, there is free wifi throughout the airport!
In summary, if you have time to kill before your departure, going to the airport a bit early (3 hours) is not a bad idea. There are places to shop, sit, eat and lounge so you can relax before your potentially long flight out.
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