How many terminals are in Dar es Salaam airport?
Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), the main international airport serving Dar es Salaam, comprises three passenger terminals. The airport can cater to the domestic, regional, and international flights through each terminal that accommodates a certain type of flight. JNIA is the busiest airport in Tanzania and the main point of entry for international travelers to the country, as it is located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam’s city center.
Knowing the number of terminals Dar es Salaam airport has and their purpose would enable its passengers to plan their trip better and not be confused when they arrive or leave.
Overview of Dar es Salaam Airport Terminals
Julius Nyerere International Airport is divided into three terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1) – Small domestic and charter flights
- Terminal 2 (T2) – Primarily domestic flights
- Terminal 3 (T3) – International flights
All terminals operate independently and are designed to handle specific types of passenger traffic.
Terminal 1 (T1): Small Domestic Flights
Terminal 1 is now very limited in use and is rarely used by regular commercial passengers:
- Charter flights
- Small domestic aircraft
- Private or special-purpose flights
This terminal handles a low number of passengers and offers minimal facilities. The vast majority of travelers, particularly foreigners, will not use Terminal 1 because it is not oriented toward large commercial airlines.
Terminal 2 (T2): Primarily domestic flights
Terminal 2 is the hub of domestic flights in Tanzania and also handles some regional flights to other East African countries.
Flights operating from Terminal 2 include routes between Dar es Salaam and destinations such as Zanzibar, Arusha, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, and Mbeya.
The airlines that are based at Terminal 2 are:
- Air Tanzania (domestic routes)
- Precision Air
- Coastal Aviation
- Auric Air
Terminal 2 is much newer than Terminal 1 and offers the necessary passenger amenities like check-in desks, waiting areas, cafes, and limited shopping options.
Terminal 3 (T3): International Terminal
The newest, largest, and most modern facility at Julius Nyerere International Airport is Terminal 3. It is solely focused on international flights, and it serves the majority of international passengers in Tanzania.
Air companies that use Terminal 3 are:
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- KLM
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
- British Airways
- Air Tanzania (international routes)
Terminal 3 has complete international airport facilities, such as immigration and duty-free shops, restaurants and lounges, currency exchange, and modern security facilities.
Important Information for Travelers
The three terminals are separate buildings within the same airport complex.
- Before they reach the airport, travelers are always advised to ensure that they check their terminal with their airline.
- Terminal 3 is used on international flights, whereas Terminal 2 is mainly used for domestic flights.
- Depending on their location, between terminals usually require a short drive, especially when carrying luggage.
Conclusion
Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is divided into three terminals: small domestic flights are handled by Terminal 1, primarily domestic flights use Terminal 2, and international travel is carried out by Terminal 3. Terminal 3 is the primary international terminal serving Tanzania, whereas Terminal 2 serves the domestic air traffic in the country. It is better to know your right terminal so that you can make sure that your travelling experience through Dar es Salaam airport is stress-free.
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