Mafia

Mafia Airport (MFA) is not just a runway, but the gateway to one of the most idyllic and pristine locations in Tanzania. Forget the hustle and bustle of major aviation hubs: here, your adventure begins the moment you land, as views of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean open up from your window. This small airfield serves as the starting point for an unforgettable holiday on an island renowned for its marine reserve and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks.

The main feature of Mafia Airport is its intimacy and simplicity. It is more of an airfield than an airport in the traditional sense, featuring one small terminal building and a rustic runway atmosphere. Check-in and baggage claim procedures are quick and conducted in a very informal, friendly atmosphere. Its main advantage is its location: it is situated in the immediate vicinity of the island's main town, Kilindoni, making transfers to hotels fast and convenient. Arriving on Mafia Island on a small aircraft is a thrilling adventure in itself, allowing you to enjoy stunning views from a bird's-eye perspective.

Mafia Airport (MFA) is a small regional airfield primarily serving charter and local flights. Due to its size and specific nature, most communication is handled through airlines or the Tanzania Airports Authority. Below is the most current contact information.

• Official Website: Mafia Airport does not have its own dedicated website. It is managed by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA). Information can be found on their general portal: www.taa.go.tz.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no direct public phone number for general enquiries at the airport. For flight information, please contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: Mafia Airport (MFA), Kilindoni, Mafia Island, Tanzania.
• Email: A separate email for general enquiries is not provided. It is recommended to contact the airline or use the contact details on the TAA website.
• Social Media: There are no official social media accounts for the airport.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the luggage tracing service of the airline you travelled with directly.
• Passenger Support Service: Support regarding tickets, check-in, and special services is provided by representatives of your airline.

Mafia Airport (MFA) is the main aerial gateway to the picturesque Mafia Island in Tanzania, located in close proximity to the main town of Kilindoni. The most convenient and common way to get from here to your hotel is a pre-booked transfer. Most lodges and hotels organise guest pick-ups using four-wheel-drive vehicles, which is particularly convenient given the condition of local roads. Alternatively, you can use local taxis and three-wheeled auto-rickshaws known as "bajaji", which are always waiting at the terminal. A trip to the centre of Kilindoni or nearby hotels will take no more than 5-10 minutes.

The cost of a taxi or bajaji ride to Kilindoni is usually around $5-15. If your hotel is located in a more remote part of the island, for example, in the Chole Bay area, the price will be significantly higher, and it must be agreed upon with the driver before starting the journey. It is recommended to carry both US Dollars and local currency—Tanzanian Shillings—especially for paying local drivers.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there is local public transport—minibuses known as "dala-dala". This is an authentic but not the most reliable mode of transport: they do not have a fixed schedule and are often overcrowded. Using them to travel to the airport with luggage can be extremely difficult. It is important to know that there are no other types of public transport, such as trains or a metro, on the island.

Car rental for self-driving on Mafia Island is practically non-existent. The roads here are mostly unpaved and sandy, so tourists prefer to use drivers provided by hotels or taxis. Consequently, the airport does not have a large official car park—only a small unguarded area where vehicles can be left. For travellers, the issue of parking is generally not relevant.

Mafia Airport (MFA) is a small regional airport that reflects the calm and secluded atmosphere of Mafia Island itself. Do not expect huge complexes and complex layouts here like in international hubs. The airport consists of one small terminal that serves all flights—both arrivals and departures. Its layout is extremely simple and functional, which fits perfectly into the concept of a relaxed holiday.

The terminal layout is intuitively clear; it is practically impossible to get lost here. Essentially, it is a single-storey building where everything is within walking distance. Inside, you will find several check-in counters, a small waiting area for departing passengers, and a baggage claim area for arrivals. Departure and arrival zones are not separated into different floors or wings—most often, they are simply different parts of the same hall. Transfers between terminals are non-existent as they are unnecessary.

Check-in and security procedures at Mafia Airport generally proceed very quickly. Thanks to the low passenger flow and compact size of the terminal, there are no long queues here. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure. This time will be more than sufficient to check in for the flight, drop off luggage, and pass security screening without haste. After all formalities, passengers usually walk to the small aircraft operating between the island and the mainland of Tanzania.

The history of Mafia Island Airport (MFA) is not a chronicle of records and massive construction projects, but a story of the gradual transformation of a modest airstrip into a key gateway to one of Tanzania's most amazing marine reserves. Its development began in the mid-20th century, when the first simple dirt strip appeared on the island, intended to service small aircraft providing administrative links with the mainland.

For a long time, the airport remained a basic airfield capable of accepting only light aircraft such as the Cessna and Britten-Norman Islander, which could land on unprepared surfaces. Infrastructure received a real impulse for development after the creation of the Mafia Island Marine Park in 1995. This event caused a sharp increase in interest in the island from divers and eco-tourists, which, in turn, demanded more reliable and all-weather air connections.

A key stage of modernisation occurred in the early 2010s, when the runway was finally paved. This reconstruction, completed around 2013-2014, became a turning point: it allowed flights to be accepted more regularly, improved flight safety, and opened up the possibility of using larger turboprop aircraft. In subsequent years, work was carried out to improve the modest terminal building and navigation equipment.

Although Mafia Airport cannot boast of loud historical events or passenger traffic records, its main achievement is providing access to the unique ecosystem of the Indian Ocean. Its history clearly demonstrates how the development of small-scale infrastructure can directly contribute to the preservation of natural heritage, making it accessible to responsible travellers from around the world.

Mafia Airport (MFA) is a small regional airport in Tanzania, serving as the main gateway to the scenic Mafia Island. Given its compact size and focus on serving tourist traffic to nature reserves, the range of services here is basic and aimed at satisfying the most essential needs of travellers.

There are no large restaurants or duty-free shops on the airport premises. Passengers can find small kiosks or cafes selling soft drinks, water, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is a convenient opportunity to have a bite before departure or immediately upon arrival. You can also purchase some souvenirs here as a memento of your trip.

The airport has a general waiting area, but specialised VIP lounges are absent. Access to Wi-Fi is generally not provided, so do not rely on a stable internet connection. The number of sockets for charging electronic devices is limited, so it is strongly recommended to carry a fully charged portable power bank.

Financial services at Mafia Airport are extremely limited. There are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange bureaus here. All financial transactions, including cash exchange, are best done in advance or in the island's main town, Kilindoni. Regarding medical services, one can count on basic first aid on the airport territory, but serious cases will require visiting medical facilities on the island.

Specialised facilities for passengers with children, such as play areas or mother and child rooms, are not provided at the airport. Passengers with reduced mobility should notify their airline in advance regarding the need for assistance. Airport staff will provide possible assistance when moving through the terminal, as well as during boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds or in its immediate vicinity. Most lodges and hotels are located in different parts of Mafia Island and usually offer their guests a transfer service. It is recommended to coordinate a meeting at the airport with your hotel administration in advance. Conference rooms and business centres are also absent at the airport.

Mafia Airport (MFA) is a small and cosy airport serving the picturesque Mafia Island in Tanzania. It is important to understand that the infrastructure here corresponds to its regional status, so dining options are quite modest and do not resemble the assortment found at major international airports. You will not find restaurant chains or duty-free shops in the traditional sense here.

Typically, all catering services at the airport are concentrated in one small cafe or kiosk located in the general waiting hall (before the security control zone). This is an ideal place for a quick snack rather than a full meal. Here is what you can usually find:

• Drinks: Bottled water, soft drinks, juices. Often you can buy local tea or instant coffee.
• Snacks: Packaged snacks such as crisps, biscuits, and nuts. Sometimes fresh local fruits—bananas or mangoes—are available depending on the season.
• Local Flavour: If you are lucky, you might be able to try simple local pastries, for example, samosas (small fried savoury pastries) or chapati flatbreads. This is a great way to taste the local cuisine before departing.

Full hot meals are not prepared here. Travellers needing a substantial lunch or dinner are advised to eat beforehand at one of the cafes in Kilindoni town, located near the airport. Regarding special dietary requests (vegetarian, gluten-free, or specific Halal options), their availability is extremely limited. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

Prices in the airport cafe are usually low. Operating hours depend directly on the flight schedule: the establishment opens before flights and closes after the last plane has departed. This is a simple but authentic service that fully aligns with the relaxed atmosphere of the island.

Travelling through the small airport on Mafia Island is part of your adventure in Tanzania. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips. The airport primarily serves small propeller aircraft, which defines its specific nature.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Unlike major international hubs, there is no need to arrive 3-4 hours early. Arriving 1–1.5 hours before departure will be more than sufficient. Check-in and security control procedures are quick and fuss-free. The main thing to pay attention to is luggage weight. Airlines strictly monitor limits (usually around 15 kg for total luggage, including hand luggage) and may weigh every bag.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. On small aircraft, seats are often not assigned in advance. To enjoy incredible views of the coastline and coral reefs, try to occupy a window seat. Regarding hand luggage, besides standard rules (liquids, sharp objects), the key factor is weight. Check the allowances with your airline to avoid surcharges on the spot.

Connections and Customs. Mafia Airport is a final destination, not a transit hub. If you have a connection planned, it will likely be at a larger airport, such as Dar es Salaam, and will require collecting luggage and checking in again. Since flights to Mafia are domestic, you will pass customs control at your first international airport of arrival in the country.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book flight tickets in advance, especially during the high season, and compare prices across different local carriers. The main way to avoid extra costs is to travel light to avoid paying for excess weight. To save time, arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance, as the number of taxis at the airport may be limited.

Flight Delays. Flight delays or rescheduling due to weather conditions are not uncommon for small airfields. In this case, remain calm. The airport infrastructure is very modest, so in case of a wait, keep a book, a charged power bank, and a bottle of water with you. Airline staff are usually on-site and provide all available information.