Coastal Aviation
Tanzania’s specialist safari airline, operating scheduled and charter flights between major gateways, Indian Ocean islands and remote national-park airstrips with a fleet of small aircraft.
About Coastal Aviation
Coastal Aviation is a privately owned Tanzanian carrier founded in 1987 by Nicola Colangelo. It began as a safari and transport business before concentrating on aviation and developing scheduled flying-safari services. Flights are operated by Coastal Travels Limited under the Coastal Aviation brand. The airline’s IATA code is CQ, while its current ICAO designator is CSV.
The airline is based in Dar es Salaam, with Julius Nyerere International Airport serving as its principal gateway and Arusha Airport acting as an important northern-circuit base. Its network connects cities and beach destinations with airstrips serving the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ruaha and Nyerere national parks. International services include selected links to Kenya and Rwanda.
Coastal Aviation uses turboprop aircraft suited to short runways and lightly developed safari airstrips, notably the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and Pilatus PC-12. Cabins are compact and generally configured as a single class rather than conventional economy and business cabins. Aircraft assignments can change according to passenger loads, runway conditions and operational requirements.
Coastal Aviation does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and it does not advertise a conventional mileage-based frequent-flyer programme. Its role is primarily regional and specialist: it links long-haul airline gateways with lodges, islands and conservation areas that are difficult to reach efficiently by road. Connections with other carriers normally require separate-ticket planning and adequate transfer time.
The airline’s main strength is direct access to remote safari destinations, often saving travellers many hours of overland travel. The trade-off is that small-aircraft operations have tighter baggage limits, less cabin space and greater exposure to weather or airstrip-related schedule changes than conventional jet services. Multi-stop sectors are common, so a published journey may include intermediate landings before the passenger’s destination.
Good to know
Flying with Coastal Aviation — what to expect
Combined Baggage Limit
The standard baggage allowance is generally 15 kilograms per passenger, including hand baggage. Confirm the allowance attached to your booking because excess baggage depends on aircraft capacity and may require advance payment.
Use Soft Bags
Soft-sided duffel bags are strongly preferred because they fit more easily into the small luggage compartments used on safari aircraft. Large rigid suitcases may be difficult or impossible to accommodate.
Compact Aircraft Cabins
Flights use small turboprop aircraft with limited headroom and storage rather than conventional airliner cabins. Seating may be assigned according to operational and weight-balancing requirements.
Possible Intermediate Stops
Scheduled safari flights may stop at several airstrips to collect or drop off passengers. Check the full itinerary and allow flexibility when arranging lodge transfers or onward flights.
Weather Affects Operations
Remote airstrips and visual flying conditions can make schedules sensitive to weather and local runway conditions. Avoid tight same-day connections to long-haul flights where possible.
Check Airstrip Details
Safari regions may contain several airstrips with similar names. Confirm the exact airstrip with your lodge before booking and arrange ground transfers in advance.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Coastal Aviation
Notable destinations on Coastal Aviation's network.
CQDar es SalaamdirectCQArushadirectCQZanzibar CitydirectCQKigalidirectCQNairobidirectCQTangadirectDestination list is indicative of Coastal Aviation's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Coastal Aviation — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Coastal Aviation links Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar and other regional gateways with safari airstrips in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ruaha and Nyerere areas. Its network also includes selected services involving Kenya and Rwanda.
- Fares depend on the route, season and available booking class rather than a universal cheapest day. Booking early can be particularly useful during peak safari periods and holiday seasons, when small aircraft have limited capacity.
- Major departure points include Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Arusha Airport. Zanzibar and key safari airstrips also generate substantial connecting traffic within the network.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the displayed price.
- The longest scheduled sector can change as regional and seasonal timetables are revised. Some itineraries also include intermediate safari-airstrip stops, so passengers should check the current schedule for the actual routing and journey time.
- The precise total varies with seasonal timetables and demand at remote airstrips. Travellers should consult Coastal Aviation’s current schedule for the destinations operating on their intended dates.
- Cabin and checked baggage are generally covered by a combined weight allowance, commonly 15 kilograms on standard bookings. Small, soft-sided bags are recommended, and passengers should verify current size and weight restrictions before travel.
- Coastal Aviation’s principal gateway is Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Arusha Airport is another important base for services to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.