Location
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is located in the Tanzanian city of Arusha, 8 miles east of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. The airport serves international and domestic air travel, as well as freight and cargo services. It’s the northern terminus for international flights in Tanzania, but only handles a limited selection of scheduled and charter flights.
History
When it opened in 1971, Kilimanjaro International Airport served private passengers of the Tanzanian Government. It was later made available to the public, offering domestic flights to Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Zanzibar, and international flights to Amsterdam, Addis Ababa, Entebbe and Nairobi. After the construction of the Julius Nyerere International Airport, JRO’s focus shifted to cargo and freight services. In 2009, the airport gained an international airport certification.
Airport Infrastructure
The airport consists of one runway, two terminals and an apron with taxiways and parking areas for both passengers and aircraft. The southern terminal provides international service, while the northern terminal is for domestic flight traffic. Other services, stores and restaurants can be found in both terminals. There’s also an on-site Aspira hotel. Facilities located on the apron include an observation deck, a business and services center, a fuel station, an on-site fire station and a terminal handling cargo.
Services Offered
The airport’s ground handling services are operated by Kilimanjaro Airport Service, with additional support supplied by TasumaSupport and Aurora Ground Services, both based in Arusha. The ground handling services include cleaning and security checks, baggage handling, passenger services and cargo handling. JRO also boasts an impressive range of car rental companies advertising their services at the airport, including Alpine Adventure Tours, Avis, Penguin Safari and Tanzania Car Hire.
Connecting From the Airport
From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) there are several transport options available to travelers. There’s a bus terminal situated outside the airport, offering shuttle services between JRO and various nearby hotels and safari lodges. Taxis and private transfers are also abundant, and there’s a private helipad to the east of the airport for those choosing to take a heli-transfer to their destination.
Airport Safety
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is a safe and clean airport, following all established safety procedures and standards. The airport is also in compliance with international health and safety regulations and is regularly tested and inspected to ensure its compliance with national and international standards. All of the facilities located at the airport, including the runways and aprons, have been adapted to ensure safety and comfort during departure and arrival.
Useful Assistance
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) also provides numerous helpful services designed to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Airport personnel offers assistance to travelers who need wheelchair access, special assistance, and unaccompanied minors on their flights. There is also a Help Desk near the information desk, located at the south end of the departure hall, where travelers can access information about their flight status and any other relevant travel information.
Parking Facilities
The airport offers ample parking facilities located just outside of the terminal building. There are two car parking lots, one for short stay and one for long stay. Additional parking can be found at the Aspira Hotel and around the bus terminal. Car rental companies like Avis and Penguin Safari also provide car rental services and parking for cars that are rented from their outlets.
Flying Conditions
The airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, usually with a single shift. However, on major holidays, the airport runs two shifts. The airport’s weather conditions are often hot and dry, making it suitable for regular flights. There are no strict regulations regarding noise and air pollution in the region, making KilimanjaroInternational Airport the ideal destination for travelers who value the luxury of flying from a clean and safe airport.
Aircraft and Airlines
Aircraft that operate at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) include small and mid-sized jets, regional aircrafts and helicopters. Major African airlines like Air Tanzania, Flightlink, Rwandair and Zambezi Airlines offer scheduled services to JRO and currently serve as the airport’s primary carriers. JRO also allows passengers to book flights on a number of charter companies and independent operators, like Entebbe Express, Kulula, and Serengeti Express.
Shopping and Dining
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) offers passengers a wide selection of shopping and dining options. Passengers can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and accessories at the numerous stores located at both terminals. There are also a few restaurants and fast food outlets, as well as several coffee shops and bars offering drinks and snack items.
Covid-19 Protection
In line with the Tanzanian government regulations, COVID-19 pandemic prevention measures are in effect at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). All passengers are required to wear face masks in the terminal and in all areas of the airport. Hand sanitizing stations are also located throughout the airport. Airport personnel strictly monitor passengers to ensure that social distancing and other protocols are being followed.
Transport Links
The city of Arusha is well-connected to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by a network of public transport links and private taxi services. Numerous buses of different kinds regularly make stops at the airports, as do private taxis and vans. Mini-vans, an economical and popular transport option, also regularly operate from the airport.
Flight Prices
Flight prices to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) vary greatly according to the season and the airline. Domestic flights typically range from $50 to $100, while international flights can range from $500 up to five times that amount. Charter flights are typically very expensive and are not recommended for budget travelers.
Environmental Considerations
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and has implemented several initiatives to minimize energy consumption and reduce waste. The airport ensures that all vehicles, aircrafts and equipment comply with the current environmental regulations and standards, and has been awarded certification from the Civil Aviation Authority for its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
