Flightlink
A Tanzanian scheduled airline linking major cities, Zanzibar and safari gateways with regional and airstrip-capable turboprop aircraft.
About Flightlink
Flightlink is a privately operated Tanzanian carrier founded in 2004 and headquartered in Dar es Salaam. It operates under the Flightlink brand, while Tristar Air is listed as its legal identity. The airline was established to serve Tanzania’s expanding tourism market, particularly Zanzibar and the northern safari circuit, while also carrying local and business traffic. Its activities include scheduled passenger flights, private charters and medical-evacuation services.
Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is Flightlink’s primary hub, with Arusha and Zanzibar functioning as important operating points. Its scheduled network connects mainland commercial centres, the Zanzibar archipelago and airstrips serving the Serengeti and other northern tourism areas. Regional services also link Tanzania with Nairobi, supporting itineraries that combine coastal destinations, safari regions and onward international connections.
Flightlink operates a varied turboprop fleet designed for both conventional airports and short safari airstrips. Published aircraft families include the ATR 72, De Havilland Canada Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900 and Cessna 208 Caravan. Larger turboprops are assigned to busier domestic and regional sectors, while smaller aircraft serve lower-volume airstrips. Scheduled services generally use a single economy-style cabin rather than separate business and economy classes.
The airline is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and it does not operate a widely documented frequent-flyer programme. Passengers therefore earn no standard alliance miles or status benefits when flying with Flightlink. Fare conditions, baggage allowances and change rules depend on the ticket purchased, while connections to other carriers may require separate check-in and baggage collection unless through arrangements are explicitly confirmed.
Flightlink’s principal strength is its combination of city services and direct access to remote tourism airstrips, which can shorten journeys that would otherwise require lengthy road transfers. The corresponding challenge is that smaller aircraft have limited baggage space and can be more sensitive to weather and airstrip conditions. Schedule changes and intermediate stops are also more common on safari-oriented operations, so generous connection times are advisable.
Good to know
Flying with Flightlink — what to expect
Check Baggage Limits
Allowances can vary by fare and aircraft, with tighter weight and storage restrictions on smaller safari flights. Confirm the applicable limit before departure and consider using soft-sided luggage.
Expect Different Aircraft
Flightlink uses aircraft ranging from the ATR 72 and Dash 8 to smaller Beechcraft and Caravan turboprops. Cabin space and onboard facilities therefore vary considerably by route.
Allow Connection Time
Safari services may make intermediate stops or change because of weather and airstrip conditions. Leave a generous buffer before lodge transfers or separately ticketed flights.
Verify Your Airport
Flightlink uses major airports as well as smaller facilities such as Arusha Airport and Nairobi Wilson Airport. Check the precise airport and terminal shown on the booking.
Reconfirm Departure Details
Schedules on tourism routes can vary seasonally. Recheck the departure time, reporting point and check-in instructions shortly before travelling.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Flightlink
Notable destinations on Flightlink's network.
YSDar es SalaamdirectYSArushadirectYSZanzibar CitydirectYSMwanzadirectYSNairobidirectDestination list is indicative of Flightlink's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Flightlink — 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
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Flightlink’s destination total varies as safari and regional schedules change seasonally. Its network has included more than 10 airports and airstrips, but passengers should check the current timetable for the routes operating on their dates.
- Flightlink serves Tanzanian cities, Zanzibar and northern safari areas, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Serengeti airstrips. Its regional services also include Nairobi.
- Tickets are often less expensive outside Tanzania’s busiest safari and holiday periods and when booked before limited seats sell out. Compare nearby dates because some safari routes do not operate at the same frequency every day.
- Flightlink’s primary hub is Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Arusha and Zanzibar are also important operating points within its network.
- Carry-on limits depend on the fare and aircraft, and cabin storage can be especially restricted on smaller safari planes. Check the allowance stated on the booking and pack a compact, preferably soft-sided bag.
- Flightlink does not publish a consistently defined longest route, and its schedule changes seasonally. Regional services involving Nairobi are generally among its longer sectors, but the current timetable should be checked for the operating itinerary.
- Its main departure airports are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar and Arusha Airport. Nairobi Wilson and Kilimanjaro also feature in regional itineraries.