Zanzibar is a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania, that welcomes travelers from around the world through its main airport Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. It was originally known as Kisauni Airport and was renamed in 2010 to honor Abeid Amani Karume, the first president of Zanzibar.
The airport has grown over the years to serve more passengers and destinations. This airport serves as the gateway to the island’s stunning beaches, rich culture, and historic sites. This airport is located about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) south of Zanzibar City, the island’s capital. This short distance makes it easy for travelers to reach the city center and nearby attractions.
| Specification | Details |
| Full Name | Abeid Amani Karume International Airport |
| Zanzibar airport code | ZNZ |
| ICAO Code | HTZA |
| Location | Approximately 5 kilometers south of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar |
| Other Names | Kisauni Airport and Zanzibar International Airport |
| Terminals | 4 (Terminal 1 inactive, Terminal 2 for domestic, Terminal 3 for international, Terminal 4 planned) |
| Main Airlines | Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air |
| Main Destinations | Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha, Istanbul, Muscat |
History and Development of Zanzibar Airport
The airport was first called Kisauni Airport when it was established during the British protectorate era. In 2010, it was renamed to honor the first president of Zanzibar, Abeid Amani Karume.
As of December 2021, Terminal 1 was inactive with Terminal 2 serving as the airport office and handling domestic flights. Terminal 3 a modern facility designed to accommodate international travelers was nearing completion at that time. The new terminal aimed to provide a fresh and welcoming experience for visitors which offers a range of useful services.
By the summer of 2022, Terminal 3 was expected to be fully operational and officially opening its doors to international passengers. In response to the growing passenger traffic, plans for constructing Terminal 4 were also set in motion with collaborations between the Zanzibar government and international firms.
4 Different terminals of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Zanzibar Airport has many terminals each serving different purposes:
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal which is built during the British colonial period. It is no longer used for flight operations and has been inactive since December 2021.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 handles domestic flights within Tanzania. It also serves as the airport’s administrative office. This terminal helps passengers traveling within the country to have a smooth experience.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the newest terminal which is designed to serve international travelers. It was almost completed by December 2021 and officially opened in the summer of 2022. This modern terminal provides better facilities and services that meet international standards.
Terminal 4
Due to the increasing number of passengers the plans for Terminal 4 began. Zanzibar’s government partnered with international companies to expand the airport’s capacity and services.
Airlines and Destinations
Zanzibar Airport connects Zanzibar to many destinations worldwide.
Many major airlines operate from this airport including:
- Ethiopian Airlines: It offers flights to Addis Ababa and connections to other international locations.
- Kenya Airways: Flies to Nairobi while providing connections to many global destinations.
- Qatar Airways: This operates flights to Doha while connecting travelers to a large international network.
- Turkish Airlines: It connects Zanzibar to Istanbul with onward flights to Europe and beyond.
- Oman Air: This provides flights to Muscat which links Zanzibar to the Middle East and Asia.
These airlines among others make it easy for travelers to reach East Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.
New and Improved Travel Services
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport introduced new services to improve the travel experience with the opening of Terminal 3.
These include:
- Modern Facilities: The new terminal has spacious check-in areas, comfortable waiting lounges, and advanced baggage handling systems.
- Dining and Shopping: Passengers can enjoy many dining options from local Tanzanian food to international dishes. Duty-free shops offer souvenirs, electronics, and luxury items.
- Transportation Access: The airport provides better transportation options including taxis and shuttle buses which provides easy transfers to different parts of Zanzibar.
Plan your Dream Zanzibar Vacation
Plan your dream Zanzibar vacation and explore stunning beaches, rich culture, and historic sites. Whether you want to relax by the turquoise waters, visit Stone Town’s narrow streets, or enjoy thrilling water sports, Zanzibar has something for everyone. Book your flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.