Getting to Tanzania for AFCON 2027 starts with Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam — the main international gateway and the city hosting the most matches of the tournament. A total of 25 airlines currently operate at Julius Nyerere International Airport, which provides direct service to 21 countries across three continents with Kenya representing its largest international market. This guide covers every major route, the best airlines for fans from across Africa and the world, current price benchmarks and exactly when to book before AFCON 2027 demand pushes fares to double or triple their normal levels.
Julius Nyerere International Airport — DAR
Julius Nyerere International Airport is the international airport of Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. It is located in Kipawa ward of Ilala District in Dar es Salaam Region and has flights to destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The airport code is DAR. The airport is approximately 6 miles southwest of central Dar es Salaam and handles approximately 200 flights daily.
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights. Terminal 2 is the main international terminal. Allow 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic connections.
For fans attending matches in Arusha rather than Dar es Salaam, the alternative entry point is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — 46km from Arusha town centre. Several airlines serve JRO including Air Tanzania, Precision Air and Qatar Airways with a stop in Doha.
Airlines Flying to Dar es Salaam
Airlines currently operating at Julius Nyerere International Airport include Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch, EgyptAir, Oman Air, flydubai, Uganda Airlines, Air Tanzania and Precision Air among others.
Routes by Origin — Every Major AFCON Fan Market
🇳🇬 From Nigeria (Lagos — LOS)
Nigeria produces the largest travelling AFCON fan base on the continent. Getting from Lagos to Dar es Salaam requires a connection in most cases.
Air Tanzania operates a direct seasonal service from Lagos to Dar es Salaam. Outside of that, Kenya Airways via Nairobi takes approximately 8 hours 35 minutes. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and Uganda Airlines via Entebbe also operate this route.
| Airline | Route | Journey Time | Frequency | Current Price (return) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Tanzania | LOS → DAR direct (seasonal) | ~5h 30m | Limited | From $460 one way |
| Kenya Airways | LOS → NBO → DAR | ~8h 35m | Daily | From $370 return |
| Ethiopian Airlines | LOS → ADD → DAR | ~11h 30m | Daily | From $391 return |
| Uganda Airlines | LOS → EBB → DAR | ~10h | Several/week | From $459 one way |
Best option for Nigerian fans: Kenya Airways via Nairobi is the most reliable daily service with the best price-to-convenience ratio. Book at least 6 months before the tournament. Current cheapest Lagos to Dar es Salaam fares start from around $370 return — but these will increase significantly during the AFCON 2027 tournament period.
🇩🇿 From Algeria (Algiers — ALG)
Algeria has no direct service to Dar es Salaam. The most common connections are via:
| Airline | Route | Best Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | ALG → ADD → DAR | Best frequency and price |
| EgyptAir | ALG → CAI → DAR | Good via Cairo |
| Turkish Airlines | ALG → IST → DAR | Comfortable but longer |
| Air France / KLM | ALG → CDG/AMS → DAR | Via Europe — more expensive |
Best option for Algerian fans: Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines operates 20 flights per week from Addis Ababa to Dar es Salaam — approximately 3 flights per day — making it the most frequent connection hub for East Africa. Algiers to Addis Ababa connects seamlessly onto multiple daily Dar es Salaam services.
🇲🇦 From Morocco (Casablanca — CMN)
| Airline | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | CMN → ADD → DAR | Best option — strong Casablanca-Addis service |
| Royal Air Maroc | CMN → NBO → DAR | Via Nairobi with Kenya Airways codeshare |
| Turkish Airlines | CMN → IST → DAR | Good connectivity via Istanbul |
🇪🇬 From Egypt (Cairo — CAI)
EgyptAir operates direct flights from Cairo to Dar es Salaam — one of the most convenient routes for Egyptian fans attending AFCON 2027 in Tanzania.
| Airline | Route | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| EgyptAir | CAI → DAR direct | ~4h 30m |
| Ethiopian Airlines | CAI → ADD → DAR | ~7h with connection |
| Kenya Airways | CAI → NBO → DAR | ~7h with connection |
🇿🇦 From South Africa (Johannesburg — JNB)
South Africa has excellent connectivity to Tanzania from OR Tambo International Airport.
| Airline | Route | Flight Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South African Airways | JNB → DAR | ~3h | Direct service |
| Ethiopian Airlines | JNB → ADD → DAR | ~6h | Via Addis |
| Kenya Airways | JNB → NBO → DAR | ~5h | Via Nairobi |
| flydubai | JNB → DXB → DAR | ~10h | Via Dubai |
🇰🇪 From Kenya (Nairobi — NBO)
Nairobi is the closest major hub to Dar es Salaam and the most connected. Kenyan fans and those flying in via Nairobi have the simplest journey.
| Airline | Route | Flight Time | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya Airways | NBO → DAR direct | ~1h | Multiple daily flights |
| Precision Air | NBO → DAR direct | ~1h | Budget option |
| Bus overland | Nairobi → DSM | 12–14h | $30–50 USD — cheapest option |
Nairobi is worth considering as a connecting hub for fans from West Africa or North Africa — flights to NBO are often cheaper and more frequent than direct routes to DAR, and the 1-hour hop to Dar es Salaam is straightforward and inexpensive.
🇬🇭 From Ghana (Accra — ACC)
| Airline | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | ACC → ADD → DAR | Best option — daily service |
| Kenya Airways | ACC → NBO → DAR | Via Nairobi — reliable |
| RwandAir | ACC → KGL → DAR | Via Kigali |
🌍 From Europe (UK, France, Netherlands)
| Origin | Best Airline | Route | Approx Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) | Kenya Airways | LHR → NBO → DAR | ~12h |
| London (LHR) | Ethiopian Airlines | LHR → ADD → DAR | ~13h |
| Paris (CDG) | Air France / Kenya Airways | CDG → NBO → DAR | ~13h |
| Amsterdam (AMS) | KLM | AMS → DAR direct | ~9h |
| Any European city | Turkish Airlines | via IST → DAR | ~12–14h |
| Any European city | Emirates / Qatar | via DXB or DOH → DAR | ~12–15h |
KLM Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam is worth highlighting — it is one of the few European direct services to Tanzania and offers excellent connections for fans flying from across northern Europe.
🌍 From Middle East hubs
| Airline | Hub | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Dubai (DXB) | Excellent connectivity — daily to DAR |
| Qatar Airways | Doha (DOH) | Also serves Kilimanjaro (JRO) for Arusha fans |
| flydubai | Dubai (DXB) | Budget option via Dubai |
| Oman Air | Muscat (MCT) | Serves Dar es Salaam directly |
The Hub Strategy — How to Find Cheaper Flights
For many fans the cheapest route to Tanzania is not to fly directly to Dar es Salaam but to use a hub and connect. The three most useful hubs are:
Addis Ababa (ADD) — Ethiopian Airlines hub
Ethiopian Airlines operates approximately 3 flights per day from Addis Ababa to Dar es Salaam. Ethiopian serves over 60 African cities and connects to Europe, North America and Asia. If you can reach Addis Ababa cheaply from your origin, the onward connection to DSM is frequent and reliable.
Nairobi (NBO) — Kenya Airways hub
Kenya Airways connects Nairobi to Dar es Salaam multiple times daily in under an hour. Nairobi is also connected to Lagos, Accra, London, Paris and dozens of African cities. Nairobi flights are often cheaper than direct Dar es Salaam routes.
Dubai (DXB) — Emirates and flydubai hub
Emirates serves Dar es Salaam directly from Dubai. For fans from North Africa and parts of West Africa where Middle Eastern airlines dominate, flying via Dubai is often the most comfortable and competitive option.
When to Book — The Most Important Section
Booking timing is the single biggest determinant of what you pay for flights to Tanzania for AFCON 2027. Here is the honest breakdown:
| When you book | Price vs normal | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Now (Jun–Aug 2026) | Normal or slightly above | ✅ Full availability |
| Sep–Oct 2026 | +15–25% above normal | ✅ Good availability |
| Nov–Dec 2026 | +30–50% above normal | 🟡 Filling up |
| Jan–Mar 2027 | +50–100% above normal | 🟡 Limited good options |
| Apr–May 2027 | +80–150% above normal | 🔴 Very limited |
| June 2027 (tournament) | +150–300% above normal | 🔴 Near sold out |
The recommendation is unambiguous — book now. Current Lagos to Dar es Salaam return fares start from around $370. That same ticket bought in March 2027 could cost $800 to $1,200. Book the moment you have confirmed your match tickets.
Flying into Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for Arusha Matches
Fans attending matches at the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha should consider flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) rather than Dar es Salaam. JRO is 46km from Arusha town — a 45 to 60 minute taxi or shuttle ride costing $10 to $15 USD.
Airlines serving JRO include:
- Air Tanzania — domestic connections from DAR
- Precision Air — domestic connections
- Qatar Airways — international via Doha
- KLM — international via Amsterdam
- Ethiopian Airlines — via Addis Ababa
If you are splitting your AFCON 2027 trip between Arusha and Dar es Salaam, fly into JRO, attend your Arusha matches, then take a domestic flight or bus to DSM for the Mkapa matches. Precision Air and Air Tanzania both operate multiple daily Arusha to Dar es Salaam flights costing $50 to $120 USD return.
Practical Airport Tips
Getting from Julius Nyerere Airport to the city — the airport is located approximately 6 miles southwest of central Dar es Salaam. Bolt and Uber both operate from the airport. Expect $15 to $25 USD to Msasani or Masaki depending on traffic. The journey takes 30 to 50 minutes in normal conditions and longer on match days. Arrange your hotel transfer in advance if arriving late at night.
Immigration processing time — for international flight passengers it usually takes about one hour to complete immigration procedures and collect luggage at Julius Nyerere International Airport. During AFCON 2027 when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously before major matches, allow up to 2 hours. Do not book any same-day activity too close to your landing time.
Your Tanzania eVisa — have your eVisa approval printed or saved clearly on your phone before boarding. Immigration officers at Julius Nyerere Airport will ask for it. Applying at least 3 to 4 weeks before travel is essential during the AFCON 2027 period when application volumes will be high. See our complete practical guide for the full visa process.
Local SIM at the airport — all four major Tanzanian operators have desks in the arrivals hall. Buy your SIM immediately on arrival rather than relying on your home network. See our SIM card guide for which network to choose.
Flight Booking Checklist
- ✅ Confirm your AFCON 2027 match tickets first — then book flights around confirmed dates
- ✅ Book as early as possible — ideally now or within the next 2 to 3 months
- ✅ Check both DAR (Dar es Salaam) and JRO (Kilimanjaro/Arusha) depending on your match schedule
- ✅ Consider hub strategy — flying via Nairobi or Addis Ababa is often cheaper than direct routes
- ✅ Set price alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak for your specific route
- ✅ Apply for your Tanzania eVisa before booking non-refundable fares
- ✅ Book refundable fares where possible — circumstances can change in the 12 months before the tournament
- ✅ Download Bolt and Uber before you arrive — you need them working from minute one at the airport
For the complete AFCON 2027 Tanzania planning guide covering visas, accommodation, match tickets and transport visit our practical info page. For a full budget breakdown including flight cost estimates visit our cost guide. For fixture dates and Tanzania group stage matches visit our fixtures page.
All prices are current market rates as of June 2026 sourced from Trip.com, Kayak and airline websites. AFCON 2027 tournament period prices will be significantly higher. Book early for best availability and fares.