Julius Nyerere International Airport abbreviated as (JNIA) is the largest and busiest airport in Tanzania, located in the commercial capital city of Dar es Salaam. It serves as the main gateway for international visitors to Tanzania, welcoming over 3 million passengers every year.
Are you planning to visit Tanzania for an unforgettable African adventure? Look no further than the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Tanzania’s largest and busiest airport. From wildlife safaris to beach vacations, this airport is the perfect starting point for exploring Tanzania’s wonders. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Julius Nyerere International Airport, its facilities, airlines, destinations, and more.
Julius Nyerere International Airport: Overview
Julius Nyerere International Airport, formerly known as Dar es Salaam International Airport, is located in the Kipawa suburb, about 12 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam’s city center, Tanzania’s largest city. The airport serves as the primary hub for Tanzania’s flag carrier, Air Tanzania, and also handles international and domestic flights from other airlines.
Location of Julius Nyerere International Airport
It is situated in Dar es Salaam, the largest city in the whole of Tanzania and the country’s former capital city before Dodoma. JNIA is located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of the city center.
Facilities at Julius Nyerere International Airport
As Tanzania’s main airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.
History
The “Dar es Salaam International Airport” (DIA) was renamed “Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport” in October 2005, then “Julius Nyerere International Airport” on November 1, 2006. From 1980 to 2004, the airport served a total of 9,501,265 passengers, with an average of 2,770 people each day.
Terminals
Julius Nyerere International Airport has three terminals.
Terminal 1 is a tiny terminal that serves private and chartered planes. It can accommodate 500,000 travelers per year.After the building of Terminal II, this little terminal’s functions as an international airport stopped in 1984.
Domestic and regional scheduled flights depart at Terminal 2. It has a passenger capacity of 1.5 million.
Terminal 3 is the most recent terminal, being opened in August 2019. It is mostly used on international flights. The terminal is divided into two parts, Phase I and Phase II. In the terminal, there are 58 enterprises classified as retail, operational machinery, and service providing.
The airport has one terminal building, which is divided into three levels:
- The ground floor, which houses arrival facilities such as customs, baggage claim, and immigration counters.
- The first floor, which is dedicated to departure facilities such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.
- The second floor, which is mainly used for administrative offices and VIP lounges.
Amenities
Julius Nyerere International Airport offers a variety of amenities to cater to passengers’ needs, including:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Duty-free shops
- Souvenir shops
- ATMs and currency exchange offices
- Car rental services
- Medical facilities
- Prayer rooms
- Wi-Fi internet access
Transportation
The airport is easily accessible by road and offers several transportation options to and from the airport, including:
- Taxis
- Car rentals
- Shuttle buses
- Public buses
Airlines and Destinations
Julius Nyerere International Airport serves both domestic and international destinations, with a wide range of airlines operating from the airport.
These airlines offer a range of flight options, including non-stop and connecting flights, to various destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Emirates, for instance, operates daily flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Dubai, providing convenient access to one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Ethiopian Airlines, on the other hand, offers flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Addis Ababa, with connections to several African and international destinations.
Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines also offer connections to a range of global destinations from Julius Nyerere International Airport, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for convenient connections to various parts of the world.
Here are some of the airlines and destinations served by the airport:
International Airlines
- Emirates: Dubai
- Qatar Airways: Doha
- Ethiopian Airlines: Addis Ababa
- KLM: Amsterdam
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul
- Oman Air: Muscat
- Kenya Airways: Nairobi
- RwandAir: Kigali
- South African Airways: Johannesburg
Domestic Airlines
- Air Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya
- Precision Air: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Arusha
Julius Nyerere International Airport: FAQs
- What is the IATA code for Julius Nyerere International Airport? The IATA code for Julius Nyerere International Airport is DAR.
- Is Julius Nyerere International Airport the only airport in Tanzania? No, Tanzania has several other airports, including Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, and Mwanza Airport.
- How far is Julius Nyerere International Airport from Dar es Salaam’s city center? The airport is located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam’s city center.
- Does Julius Nyerere International Airport offer free Wi-Fi? Yes, the airport offers free Wi-Fi internet access for passengers.
- Which airlines serve Kilimanjaro International Airport? Several airlines operate from Kilimanjaro International Airport, including Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
Tips for Traveling Through Julius Nyerere International Airport
To make your travel experience through Julius Nyerere International Airport as smooth as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights to allow ample time for check-in and security screening.
- Make sure to have all the necessary travel documents, including your passport and visa, if required.
- Check with your airline for any baggage restrictions and ensure that your bags meet the size and weight limits.
- Familiarize yourself with the airport layout and facilities to avoid confusion and delays.
- If you need any assistance or have any special requirements, such as wheelchair assistance, inform your airline in advance.
Julius Nyerere International Airport – Dar es Salaam
Julius Nyerere International Airport is a vital gateway to Tanzania, offering convenient access to the country’s many natural wonders, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. With its modern facilities, diverse airlines, and convenient location, the airport is an excellent starting point for any Tanzania adventure. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Julius Nyerere International Airport has everything you need to make your journey a comfortable and memorable one.
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore Tanzania’s natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. And remember, it all starts at Julius Nyerere International Airport.