Sign in Subscribe
Airports

Zanzibar's Airports Experience Dramatic Transformation in 5 Years

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In just five years, Zanzibar's airports have undergone a significant transformation, with revamped terminals, new international routes, global safety awards, and record passenger numbers. The Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) has played a key role in this growth, positioning the islands as a rising aviation hub in East Africa. International partnerships have been instrumental in this success, with companies like DNATA, Emirates, and Segap bringing world-class services to the archipelago.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zanzibar's airports have seen a remarkable transformation in just five years, with revamped terminals, new international routes, and global safety awards.
  • The Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) has delivered excellent results from 2020 to 2025, with a focus on ensuring passenger and cargo safety, enforcing aviation regulations, and aligning local operations with international aviation standards.
  • International partnerships have played a key role in Zanzibar's aviation growth, with companies like DNATA, Emirates, and Segap bringing world-class services to the archipelago.
  • Passenger numbers have rebounded strongly, with 2.4 million passengers in 2025, up from 840,599 passengers in 2020 at the height of COVID-19.
  • Revenues have also mirrored the trend, climbing from 11.6bn/- in 2019/20 to 50bn/- in 2024/25.
  • The arrival of new airlines, including Edelweiss, Eurowings, Etihad, Air France, FlySafair, Hi Fly, and Solitair, has contributed to the growth.
  • The number of airlines serving Zanzibar has risen from 68 in 2020 to 79 in 2025.
  • Zanzibar's aviation infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with a feasibility study for a new Terminal 4 at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, construction of Pembas first international airport, and upgrades to the VVIP and private jet facilities.
  • Technological modernization has been a hallmark of ZAA's five-year record, with new passenger boarding bridges, visual docking guidance systems, modern X-ray machines for luggage screening, and the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for improved safety.
  • Hosting the Africa aviation development summit, AviaDev, in June 2025 cemented Zanzibar's status as a serious aviation player.

Statistics:

  • Passenger numbers: 840,599 in 2020, 2.4 million in 2025 (up 184.9% in 5 years).
  • Revenues: 11.6bn/- in 2019/20, 50bn/- in 2024/25 (up 331.5% in 5 years).
  • Number of airlines serving Zanzibar: 68 in 2020, 79 in 2025 (up 15.9% in 5 years).
  • Airport development projects: A feasibility study for a new Terminal 4, construction of Pembas first international airport, upgrades to the VVIP and private jet facilities, and a business centre scheduled to open at AAKIA in November 2025.
  • Investment in transport and tourism infrastructure: Zanzibars leadership emphasizes that such investments are part of a deliberate push to accelerate development and create jobs for local people.

Sources:

  • "Zanzibars airports undergo dramatic transformation — from revamped terminals and new international routes to global safety awards and record passenger numbers" published by Daily News.
  • Statement by Mr. Seif Abdalla Juma, Director General of ZAA.
  • Interview with Mr. Omar Hussein Magota, an employee of Estim Construction Company.
  • Statement by Minister of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr. Khalid Salum Mohamed.

Read more