Zanzibar's Aviation Sector Takes Off with Unprecedented Growth

Zanzibar's aviation industry is booming, thanks to the implementation of President Hussein Mwinyi's economic reform agenda. The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) and Pemba Airport have seen a remarkable increase in passenger numbers, with over 2.4 million passengers in 2025, more than double the 840,599 recorded in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in passenger numbers has led to a significant boost in airport revenues, which have climbed from 11.6bn/- in 2019/20 to nearly 50bn/- in 2024/25. The growth is attributed to major infrastructure upgrades and strategic reforms championed under President Mwinyi's leadership.

Key Takeaways:

Passenger numbers at AAKIA and Pemba Airport have more than doubled in the past five years, soaring from 840,599 in 2020 to over 2.4 million in 2025.
Airport revenues have followed the same trajectory, climbing from 11.6bn/- in 2019/20 to nearly 50bn/- in 2024/25.
Major infrastructure projects, including the construction of new terminals, installation of advanced passenger and cargo screening systems, and the expansion of Pemba Airport into a fully international gateway by 2027, have contributed to the growth.
Fresh investments, including a feasibility study for Terminal 4 at AAKIA and the planned opening of a new business centre by November 2025, are being made to further enhance the aviation sector.
The growth momentum is being matched with President Mwinyi's broader economic strategy to modernise Zanzibar's infrastructure and attract foreign direct investment.

Statistics:

840,599: passenger numbers at AAKIA and Pemba Airport in 2020.
11.6bn-/: airport revenues in 2019/20.
2.4 million: passenger numbers at AAKIA and Pemba Airport in 2025.
50bn-/: airport revenues in 2024/25.
2027: target year for the expansion of Pemba Airport into a fully international gateway.

Sources:

AllAfrica Global Media, (allafrica.com).