Airports in Zanzibar: Your Complete Guide 2026

Airports in Zanzibar: Zanzibar mainly has one international airport and a few smaller airstrips. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Unguja Island serves as the primary gateway for the vast majority of travelers arriving for beach holidays, cultural tours, and Tanzania safaris.

Smaller facilities like Pemba Airport and Nungwi Airstrip handle domestic and charter flights, making it easy to explore the archipelago.

Whether planning flights to Zanzibar from Europe, the Middle East, or connecting from mainland Tanzania, understanding the airports in Zanzibar ensures a smooth journey to this Indian Ocean paradise.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport: Zanzibar’s Main Hub

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (IATA: ZNZ, ICAO: HTZA) is the main airport in Zanzibar and the key entry point for tourists visiting the archipelago.

Located on Unguja Island (the main island commonly referred to as Zanzibar), it sits approximately 5 km (about 3.1 miles) south of Stone Town, the historic capital.

Formerly known as Kisauni Airport or Zanzibar International Airport, it was renamed in 2010 to honor Abeid Amani Karume, the first president of Zanzibar.

The airport is owned by the Government of Zanzibar and operated by the Zanzibar Airports Authority. It features modern facilities, including a newer Terminal 3 that handles most international arrivals.

Key facts about Zanzibar’s main airport:

• Location: Unguja Island, near Kiembe Samaki, with approaches over the sea on the southern runway.
• Elevation: Around 16 meters (54 feet) above sea level.
• Runway: Approximately 2,461 meters long, paved, and capable of handling medium to large aircraft.
• Hub for: ZanAir and various regional carriers.
• Passenger traffic: It processes hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, primarily tourists drawn to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, spice plantations, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

This airport connects Zanzibar directly to major international destinations. Airlines offer flights from Europe (e.g., via Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, or seasonal charters from the UK, Germany, and Italy), the Middle East (Dubai, Doha), and across Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda). Many visitors combine a Zanzibar beach extension with Tanzania safaris in Serengeti N.P or Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Facilities at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport include currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafes serving local Swahili coffee and snacks, SIM card vendors for local data, and taxi/transfer desks.

Visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities typically $50 USD, and inbound travel insurance may be required. The airport is compact and efficient, with relatively quick immigration and baggage claim processes compared to larger hubs.

Recent upgrades, including Terminal 3, have improved the experience with better lounges, air conditioning, and streamlined security.

Other Airstrips in Zanzibar

While Abeid Amani Karume dominates, Zanzibar has supporting airfields for regional travel:

Pemba Airport (IATA: PMA, ICAO: HTPE), also known as Karume Airport or Wawi Airport, serves Pemba Island (the second-largest island in the archipelago).

Located near Chake-Chake, it primarily handles domestic flights from Unguja, Dar es Salaam, and occasional regional connections.

It is smaller and suited for propeller aircraft, ideal for travelers seeking Pemba’s quieter vibe, renowned clove plantations, and excellent diving.

Nungwi Airstrip (also referred to as HTUW) in northern Unguja supports charter and private flights. It is convenient for luxury travelers heading directly to upscale resorts in Nungwi or Kendwa without the road transfer from the main airport. This small facility caters to light aircraft and helps distribute tourism across the island.

Other minor airstrips or helipads exist for private use, but commercial activity centers on the main three.

International vs Domestic Flights to Zanzibar

International flights to Zanzibar Airport connect the island to global hubs. Direct or one-stop services link to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and Nairobi.

Flight times from Europe typically range 8–12 hours with a connection. Popular carriers include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Condor for seasonal leisure flights.

Domestic flights are quick and affordable. ZanAir, Coastal Aviation, and others operate frequent services between Zanzibar and:

• Dar es Salaam (20–30 minutes)
• Arusha / Kilimanjaro (for safari connections)
• Serengeti and other national parks
• Pemba Island

These short hops use small planes (Cessna or similar) and offer stunning aerial views of the turquoise Indian Ocean and coral reefs.

Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel

The short distance from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport makes transfers straightforward:

• To Stone Town: 10–15 minutes (5–7 km). Taxi fares around $5–15 USD.
• To Nungwi or Kendwa (North): 45–60 minutes. Private transfers $30–50 USD.
• To eastern beaches (Paje, Bwejuu): 45–90 minutes depending on exact location.

Transfer options:

• Taxi: Official taxis available outside arrivals; negotiate or use metered services.
• Private transfers: Pre-booked with your hotel or tour operator—recommended for comfort, especially with luggage or late arrivals.
• Shuttle buses: Shared options for budget travelers.
• Car rental: Available but driving in Zanzibar requires caution due to local traffic and road conditions.

Always confirm your hotel’s transfer service, as many include it in packages. Road quality has improved, but expect some bumpy sections on the way to remote beaches.

Quick Comparison of Airports in Zanzibar

Airport	Type	Location	Primary Use	Distance/Notes
Abeid Amani Karume Intl (ZNZ)	International	Unguja (main island)	Main hub, intl & domestic	5 km from Stone Town
Pemba Airport (PMA)	Domestic/Regional	Pemba Island	Flights to/from Unguja	Serves quieter northern isle
Nungwi Airstrip	Charter/Private	North Unguja	Luxury & private charters	Direct to beach resorts

Best Time to Fly to Zanzibar

Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season (June to October) offers ideal flying and visiting conditions—sunny skies, lower humidity, and calm seas perfect for beach time and water sports. This is peak tourist season, so book flights and hotels early.

The short rains (November) and long rains (March–May) bring occasional showers but fewer crowds and lower prices. December to February is warm and popular for holiday travel.

Flight price variations: Prices are highest during European summer holidays and Christmas. Shoulder months (May, November) often yield better deals. Flying mid-week can save money compared to weekends.

Flight Cost Insights

International round-trip flights to Zanzibar vary widely:

• From Europe: Often €500–€1,200+ depending on season and airline.
• From Middle East: Competitive rates via Doha or Dubai.
• Domestic legs (e.g., Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar): $50–150 one way.

Monitor deals from Qatar, Turkish, or Ethiopian for good connections. Budget airlines and charters appear seasonally. Always compare via multiple platforms and consider baggage allowances for beach gear.

FAQ: Airports in Zanzibar

How many airports are in Zanzibar?

Primarily one major international airport (Abeid Amani Karume on Unguja) plus supporting airstrips on Pemba and Nungwi.

What is the main airport in Zanzibar?

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), also called Zanzibar International Airport.

Is Zanzibar airport international?

Yes—it handles flights from Europe, the Middle East, and across Africa.

How far is the airport from Stone Town?

Approximately 5–7 km, a 10–15 minute drive.

Other common questions: Visa requirements, what to pack, and health precautions (yellow fever certificate if coming from endemic areas).

Planning Your Zanzibar Adventure

Zanzibar’s airports make it incredibly accessible. Whether arriving at the bustling international terminal or a quiet charter strip, the island’s magic—pristine beaches, historic Stone Town, spice tours, and marine life—awaits just a short transfer away.

For the best experience, book transfers in advance, especially during peak season. Combine your beach holiday with a Tanzania safari for an unforgettable trip.

Safe travels—Zanzibar is calling!