Julius Nyerere International Airport

Overview

Julius Nyerere International Airport is the main air gateway for Dar es Salaam and one of Tanzania’s key aviation hubs. Identified by IATA code DAR and ICAO code HTDA, it is classified as a large airport and handles both domestic and international traffic for the country’s biggest city. The airport sits at an elevation of 182 ft (55 m), a detail that matters more to pilots than passengers, but it reflects its low-lying coastal setting near the Indian Ocean. For travellers, DAR is the practical starting point for business trips, city stays, and onward journeys across Tanzania.

What Travellers Should Know

• The airport serves Dar es Salaam, so it is the most convenient arrival point for the city and many nearby coastal destinations.
• Local time follows the Africa/Dar_es_Salaam time zone, useful to check when planning transfers or early departures.
• As a large airport, it is better equipped for regular scheduled services than smaller regional airfields.
• The official airport information page is available through the Tanzania Airports Authority at https://www.taa.go.tz/services/jnia.

Airfield Details

The airport has two asphalt runways. Runway 05/23 is the primary strip at 9,843 ft and is lighted, which supports larger aircraft operations and helps maintain service reliability in low-light conditions. A shorter secondary runway, 14/32, measures 3,280 ft and adds operational flexibility. Most visitors will never notice these technical details directly, but they help explain why Julius Nyerere International Airport plays such an important role in connecting Dar es Salaam with the rest of Tanzania, Africa, and long-haul international routes.