Comoros Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The Comoros is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, located between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It consists of three main islands, each with its own airport, plus a smaller regional airstrip. Air travel is the primary mode of transport between the islands and the main link to the outside world. Understanding which island and airport you are flying to is the single most important step in planning your journey to this remote archipelago.

This guide explains every airport serving the Comoros, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear, plain-English explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) – Moroni, Grande Comore

Overview: Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport is the main international gateway to the Comoros. It is located on the island of Grande Comore (Ngazidja), approximately 25 km (15 miles) north of the capital city, Moroni. HAH handles all long-haul international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as domestic flights to the other islands.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A relatively small, recently renovated terminal that handles both international and domestic flights. Facilities are basic but functional.

Note: The airport is the hub for the national carrier, Air Comores (Int’Air Îles), and is the busiest airport in the country. Be prepared for a relaxed, sometimes chaotic atmosphere.

Getting to and from Moroni (HAH):

• Taxi (Shared or Private): The only practical option for getting to Moroni or other towns on Grande Comore. There is no public bus service. Official airport taxis are available outside the terminal. Fares are negotiable and not metered. A shared taxi to Moroni can cost around 2,000-3,000 KMF (€4-€6) per person, while a private taxi will be 10,000-15,000 KMF (€20-€30). Agree on the price firmly before getting in the car.
• Hotel Transfer: Many hotels and guesthouses can arrange a private pickup for you, often at a higher but fixed price. Highly recommended for first-time visitors arriving at night.
• Rental Car: Limited options are available, but driving in Comoros is challenging due to poor road conditions, informal traffic rules, and the need for local knowledge. Not recommended for casual tourists.

Best for: All international travelers entering or leaving the Comoros, and those whose main destination is the island of Grande Comore (Ngazidja).

Mohéli Bandar Es Salam Airport (NWA) – Mohéli Island

Overview: Moheli Bandar Es Salam Airport is the main airport serving Mohéli (Mwali), the smallest and least developed of the three main islands. It is located near the town of Fomboni. It primarily handles domestic flights from HAH on small aircraft and is the gateway to Mohéli’s pristine natural parks and turtle-nesting beaches.

Terminals:

• Very small, basic terminal. Essentially a simple building with a waiting area.

Getting to and from Mohéli Airport (NWA):

• Taxi or Hotel Pickup: The only option. Your accommodation will almost always arrange a pickup, as taxis are not always waiting. The island is small, and most lodges are within a 30-minute drive.
• Walking: Not advisable unless your hotel is immediately nearby, which is unlikely.

Best for: Travelers specifically visiting Mohéli Island for ecotourism, hiking in the Mohéli National Park, or turtle watching.

Ouani Airport (AJN) – Anjouan Island

Overview: Ouani Airport (also known as Anjouan Airport) serves the island of Anjouan (Nzwani). It is located near the town of Ouani, about 15 km from the island’s main city, Mutsamudu. It handles domestic flights from Grande Comore and is occasionally served by regional international flights from Mayotte and Tanzania.

Terminals:

• Small, basic terminal. Similar in size and facilities to NWA on Mohéli.

Getting to and from Anjouan Airport (AJN):

• Taxi or Hotel Pickup: The standard method. As with the other islands, pre-arranging a pickup with your hotel is highly advised. Taxis are available but may charge high prices to tourists. Negotiate firmly.

Best for: Travelers visiting Anjouan Island, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, clove plantations, and traditional culture.

Iconi Airport (YVA) – Small Airstrip on Grande Comore

Overview: Iconi Airport is a small, domestic airstrip located much closer to Moroni (about 7 km south) than the main HAH airport. It is used exclusively for inter-island flights by the domestic airline, typically on very small aircraft like the Cessna Caravan. It offers a quicker transfer to/from Moroni for domestic connections.

Terminals:

• Minimal facility. A simple building with a waiting room.

Getting to and from Iconi Airport:

• Taxi: Readily available for the short trip to Moroni.

Important: When booking domestic flights, confirm which airport on Grande Comore you are flying into or out of—HAH (the main international airport) or YVA (the domestic airstrip near town). This can save a significant amount of transfer time and cost.

Which Comoros Airport Should You Choose?

Your choice is dictated entirely by your itinerary:

• International Arrival/Departure: You will almost certainly use Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) on Grande Comore.
• Island Hopping: You will take domestic flights from HAH (or sometimes Iconi/YVA) to Mohéli Bandar Es Salam (NWA) or Ouani Airport on Anjouan (AJN).

Critical Advice: Domestic flights are essential for island hopping, as ferry services are unreliable and often unsafe. Book domestic flights with the national carrier, Int’Air Îles, well in advance, as they are small and fill up quickly. Schedules are subject to change and cancellation.

Key Tips for Travel in the Comoros

Visa & Arrival (HAH):

• Most nationalities require a visa on arrival. Have the exact cash in euros (€30-€50) ready. They may not accept cards or provide change.
• Have proof of onward travel and accommodation, as you may be asked for it.
• The arrival process can be slow. Patience is required.

Money:

• There are ATMs at HAH airport, but they are not always reliable. It is strongly advised to bring enough euros in cash for your initial expenses (taxi, visa, first few nights). Euros are widely accepted alongside the Comorian Franc (KMF).
• Credit cards are rarely accepted anywhere in the country, including at the airport.

Inter-Island Travel:

• Flights over Ferries: Always choose flights for inter-island travel. The local ferries (kwassa-kwassa) are notoriously dangerous and should be avoided.
• Domestic flights are on small 10-20 seat aircraft. Weight restrictions for baggage are strict (often 10-15kg total). Pack lightly.

Language & Culture:

• French and Comorian (Shikomor) are the main languages. Very little English is spoken. Have a French phrasebook or translation app ready.
• Dress conservatively, especially when leaving the airport.

Ground Transport Summary

From HAH to Moroni:

• Private Taxi: 30-45 minutes, 10,000-15,000 KMF (€20-€30). Negotiate first.
• Shared Taxi: 30-45 minutes, 2,000-3,000 KMF (€4-€6) per seat. Wait until the taxi fills up.

From HAH to Resort Areas (northern coast like Itsandra):

• Taxi: 15-30 minutes, 5,000-10,000 KMF (€10-€20).

Between Islands:

• Domestic Flight: The only recommended method. Flight time is 20-45 minutes. Book through Int’Air Îles or a local travel agent.

Bottom Line: Travel to and within the Comoros requires flexibility, patience, and advance planning. Your international gateway will be HAH. For inter-island travel, book domestic flights early. Always carry sufficient euros in cash, arrange airport pickups when possible, and confirm which airport (HAH or YVA) you are using for domestic connections on Grande Comore. The reward is access to a stunning, culturally rich, and rarely visited archipelago.