Zanzibar Welcomes First Etihad Flight After More Than Two Years
Zanzibar has marked another major milestone in its tourism and aviation sector with the return of Etihad Airways, one of the world's leading international carriers, which has officially resumed operations to the island after an absence of more than two years.
The historic return was celebrated on June 14, 2026, when Etihad Airways flight EY791, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, landed at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) carrying 152 passengers from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The resumption of services is being viewed as a significant boost for Zanzibar's tourism industry, enhancing accessibility for travelers from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and other international markets connected through Abu Dhabi's global aviation hub.
A New Boost for Zanzibar Tourism
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the airline's return, describing it as an important development that will strengthen Zanzibar's position as one of Africa's leading island destinations.
With its world-famous white-sand beaches, rich Swahili culture, UNESCO-listed Stone Town, marine adventures, and luxury hospitality offerings, Zanzibar continues to attract growing numbers of international visitors seeking unique Indian Ocean experiences.
The renewed connection is expected to make travel to Zanzibar easier and more convenient for tourists from key source markets served by Etihad Airways' extensive global network.
Industry experts believe the additional air capacity will contribute to increased visitor arrivals, longer stays, and higher tourism spending across the islands.
Four Weekly Flights to Connect Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi
According to airport and tourism officials, Etihad Airways will initially operate four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar.
The scheduled services will operate on:
- Monday
- Wednesday
- Friday
- Sunday
The regular schedule provides travelers with greater flexibility and strengthens Zanzibar's air connectivity with one of the world's busiest international transit hubs.
Through Abu Dhabi, visitors can seamlessly connect to destinations across:
- The Middle East
- Europe
- Asia
- Australia
- North America
This enhanced connectivity is expected to create new opportunities for tourism growth while supporting business travel and investment activities.
Expanding Tourism, Trade and Investment Opportunities
The return of Etihad Airways aligns with Zanzibar's broader strategy of expanding international air access and diversifying tourism source markets.
Government authorities and tourism stakeholders have been working to attract additional airlines and increase direct international connections to support the islands' growing tourism economy.
Beyond tourism, the new flights are expected to facilitate:
- Business travel
- International trade
- Foreign investment
- Hospitality sector growth
- Meetings and events tourism
- Cultural exchanges
The Middle East remains an increasingly important market for Zanzibar, with growing demand for luxury travel, family holidays, wellness tourism, and culturally aligned travel experiences.
Strengthening Zanzibar's Global Position
The resumption of Etihad Airways services comes at a time when Zanzibar continues to attract international attention through investments in tourism infrastructure, hospitality development, and destination marketing.
The islands have experienced steady growth in international arrivals over recent years, supported by improved airport facilities, expanding accommodation options, and increased global awareness of Zanzibar as a premium leisure destination.
Tourism officials believe stronger air connectivity remains one of the most critical drivers of future growth, enabling Zanzibar to compete effectively with other leading island destinations worldwide.
A Positive Signal for the Tourism Industry
The arrival of the first Etihad Airways flight was welcomed as a positive signal for the continued recovery and expansion of international travel to Zanzibar.
With more global carriers choosing to serve the destination, industry stakeholders are optimistic that visitor numbers will continue to rise, creating new economic opportunities for local businesses, tourism operators, artisans, transport providers, and hospitality enterprises across the islands.
As passengers stepped off the aircraft and onto the Spice Islands, the moment symbolized more than just the return of a flight route—it marked another step forward in Zanzibar's journey toward becoming one of the Indian Ocean's most connected and sought-after tourism destinations.
