By Nicodemus Ikonko
June 15, 2025 marked a milestone for newly revamped and upgraded Arusha Airport when it welcomed its inaugural scheduled international flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport with equipment owned by Flightlink Limited, formerly Flightlink Air Charters, belonging to Tanzanian, Captain Munawer P. Dhiran.
Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) Director General, Mr Abdul Athumani Mombokaleo, told The Arusha News that Arusha Airport, codenamed as ARK globally, now offers full immigration, health and customs services, making it possible for international passengers to fly directly into the heart of Arusha city.
Flightlink will operate regular three flights a week to Wilson Airport (WIL) with potential for increased frequency depending on demand. Also, passengers can now get yellow fever jabs at ARK to facilitate mandatory health requirements for some global destinations. Currently, the flight from Arusha Airport to Wilson Airport takes approximately one hour.
Arusha Airport’s new terminal will be able to handle up to 1,000 passengers at any given time, a significant increase from the previous capacity of 150 passengers only. Also, the Airport will be able to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week after completion of the ongoing installation of runway lighting for night flights.
“This is more than a tourism boost – it’s a strategic move to drive regional economic growth,” stressed Mr Mombokaleo.
Previously, the airport ran domestic flights and daylight operations only, but is now equipped to handle medium-sized aircraft such as the Bombardier Q400 and ATR 72. Arusha Airport was soft opened on September 23, 2024.
“This initiative reflects the government’s efforts to expand the aviation sector and facilitate access to Tanzania’s key tourist attractions,” Mr Mombokaleo said.
Arusha serves as the gateway to the northern tourism circuit, home to world-renowned Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree climbing lions.
