The Comoros Islands are an exotic archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean with hauntingly beautiful landscapes, rich culture and pristine beaches. The airports in Comoros are the gateways from the majestic volcano to the untouched beauty of a marine park, being one of the must-see countries and a heaven for nature lovers and lovers of life. The islands are also steeped in rich history and culture, entwined by African, Arab, and French influences, which can be appreciated through their architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Main Airports In Comoros
Among all airports in Comoros, the following are the main non-military airports serving the islands of this beautiful land.
1. Ouani Airport / Anjouan
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Ouani Airport is the main airport serving Anjouan, one of the three main islands of the Comoros. It mostly services domestic routes and some regional links. Anjouan is connected to the Comorian capital, Moroni, as well as to neighbouring countries such as Madagascar and Tanzania. It is situated outside the coastal town of Ouani, making it easy to get to Anjouan’s dense mountainous terrain, volcanic lakes and unspoiled beaches. While the airport does not see heavy international traffic, it is a lifeline for inter-island travel, medical evacuations, and small-scale cargo transportation.
Location: Ouani, Anjouan, Comoros
Runway Type: Asphalt, 1,800 meters
2. Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport
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Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport is the only airport on Mohéli, the smallest and sparsely populated Comoros island. It is important to note that the airport mostly caters to domestic flights, with most routes connecting Mohéli with Moroni and Anjouan. The airport is close to Fomboni, the island’s capital, and a springboard to the famous Mohéli Marine Park. Given Mohéli’s growing popularity as an ecotourism spot, connectivity has been on the rise. Travellers use the airport to visit the island’s tranquil beaches, vibrant coral reefs and nesting grounds for sea turtles.
Location: Fomboni, Mohéli, Comoros
Runway Type: Asphalt, approximately 1,300 meters
3. Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport / Moroni
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The Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport is the largest in Comoros and is the main international gateway to the country. It is the main international and domestic gateway to the islands, located in the town of Hahaya, near the capital Moroni. Airlines in operation here link Comoros to the point of arrival, like Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and France. The airport also serves cargo flights, helping to activate trade between Comoros and the neighbouring regions. Despite being a small international airport, its strategic importance for the country’s economy and tourism is significant.
Location: Hahaya, near Moroni, Comoros
Runway Type: Asphalt, 2,900 meters
5 Places To Visit Near The Airports In Comoros
While waiting or after landing, you can easily find famous attractions near each of the airports in Comoros.
1. Mount Karthala
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The highest peak, Mount Karthala, is an active shield volcano, at 2,361 m. Its most recent eruption occurred in 2006, which created immense fields of lava and a gigantic caldera. It takes approximately 6-8 hours to reach the summit on a mix of rainforest, volcanic plains, and rough terrain. The crater presents an otherworldly, lunar landscape, and when clouds drift away, hikers can feast their eyes on the Indian Ocean. The route also provides glimpses of rare bird types, such as the Comoros Olive Pigeon.
Distance: 35 km from Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (1.5-hour drive)
Things To Do: Hiking, crater exploration, birdwatching, camping
2. Mohéli Marine Park
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The Mohéli Marine Park is an unspoiled oasis home to one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the Indian Ocean. The park is known for nesting sites of sea turtles, such as Green and Hawksbill turtles that come to the shores to breed from April to September. Guided snorkelling and diving tours to observe manta rays, dolphins, and reef sharks are available to visitors. The crystal-clear water doesn’t hurt in providing an ideal kayaking or paddle boarding experience, either. Small islands dotting the park, like Chissioua Mbouzi, have secluded beaches with gorgeous views.
Distance: 12 km from Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport (30-minute drive)
Things To Do: Snorkelling, diving, turtle watching, island hopping
3. Lac Dzialandzé
Photo: Peioma / Wikimedia Commons
Anjouan hides Lac Dzialandzé, a volcanic crater lake tucked in the forests. With steep cliffs and dense vegetation surrounding it, the lake itself is an oasis of calm, and a great place for bird-watching. There are endemic mammals like the Anjouan Sunbird and the despairingly rare Livingstone’s fruit bat. The hike to the lake takes about two hours, traversing dense jungle with native plants. Depending on the light conditions in which they are viewed, the water can assume an emerald hue, creating a magical ambience. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a nature walk, a quiet picnic or to simply enjoy the stunning sights away from the coastal areas of the island.
Distance: 15 km from Ouani Airport (50-minute drive)
Things To Do: Hiking, birdwatching, photography, nature walks
4. Medina Of Moroni
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Moroni Medina is a maze of narrow alleys, historic Swahili-style structures, and colourful bazaars, providing a window into the island’s rich cultural legacy. This historic neighbourhood dates back centuries, with influences by Arab, Persian, and African traders. Looming over the Indian Ocean, the Grand Mosque du Vendredi, a honey-coloured, white-washed structure, tucks into the corner of the medina. You can wander through spice markets, artisan workshops, traditional jāmi, cafés offering Comorian specialities such as grilled fish and coconut rice.
Distance: 22 km from Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (40-minute drive)
Things To Do: Sightseeing, shopping, photography, cultural exploration
5. Nioumachoua Beach
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Nioumachoua Beach, on Mohéli’s southwestern coast, is one of Comoros’s most beautiful and tranquil beaches. Soft golden sands and calm, turquoise waters scamper at this beach, and it’s a top choice for swimming and relaxation. Scattered throughout the bay are small islets accessible by boat, all providing quiet areas for snorkelling and sunbathing. It’s also a popular launch point for dolphin-watching trips, as spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly sighted in the area.
Distance: 25 km from Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport (50-minute drive)
Things To Do: Swimming, dolphin watching, island hopping, sunset walks
Where To Stay
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Near the Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport in Moroni, luxury-seeking travellers can book a stay at the Golden Tulip Grande Comore Moroni Resort & Spa, a beachfront property that boasts individual villas, a swimming pool and chic, and modern decor. For budget-conscious visitors, the Hôtel Jardin de la Paix, in central Moroni, provides basic but comfortable lodgings, with convenient access to markets and historical sites. Close to Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport, Laka Lodge in Nioumachoua is a favourite among nature lovers, featuring eco-bungalows and is well-positioned for discovering Mohéli Marine Park.
Where To Eat
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Near the waterfront, the top-rated Le Sim Sim serves fresh seafood, such as grilled lobster, octopus curry and fish prepared Comorian style. For a cheaper meal, L’Arabesque offers tasty pilau rice, grilled meat skewers, and local samosas. In Mohéli, Mo Café in Fomboni is an excellent option to sample fresh fish, coconut-based dishes, and tropical fruit juices. If you find yourself in Anjouan, Chez Abdou serves a meal with a view of the coastline and traditional Comorian cuisine, with dishes offering cassava, spiced chicken and fried plantains.
Comoros still remains an off-the-beaten-path destination that is great for those travellers looking for authenticity without mass tourism. It is now easier to explore, with convenient access via airports in Comoros, Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport, Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport and Ouani Airport. Whether you’re savouring fresh seafood, hiking through dense forests, or lounging on deserted beaches, the archipelago offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Plan your visit with TripXL and experience the culturally rich and naturally beautiful destination.
Cover Photo: Wolfgang Weiser / Pexels / Image For Representation Only