Ruth Haines
Zanzibar Airport, officially known as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is located on Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. The airport is situated approximately 5-6 kilometres south of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. Zanzibar Airport is one of the two airports currently operated by the Zanzibar Airports Authority, the other being Pemba Airport. The airport serves as a hub for domestic, regional, and international flights, connecting Zanzibar to other major towns in East Africa and offering direct flights to Europe, Asia, and North America.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Abeid Amani Karume International Airport |
| Former Names | Kisauni Airport, Zanzibar International Airport |
| Location | Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania |
| Distance from Zanzibar City | 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) south |
| Distance from Stone Town | 6 kilometres south |
| Destinations | East Africa, Europe, Middle East |
| Number of Terminals | 3 |
| Amenities and Services | Waiting lounge, prayer room, big parking area, duty-free shops, smoking area, VIP lounge, ATDs, financial services, currency exchange services, cafes, eateries |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | 1.5 million (expected) |
| Actual Annual Passengers | Over 2 million |
| Airlines | As Salaam Air, Coastal Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, Fly 540, FlyDubai, Flightlink Limited, Kenya Airways, Malawian Airlines, Mango, Oman Air, Precision Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Airline Services, Tropical Air, Turkish Airlines, ZanAir |
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What You'll Learn
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 1 being inactive and previously used during the British protectorate of Zanzibar. Terminal 2 is currently active for all landing aircraft, serving domestic and some international flights. Terminal 3, which became operational in early 2021, caters exclusively to international flights.
The Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) is the statutory body responsible for the operation of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, along with Pemba Airport. ZAA aims to provide high-quality airport services and facilities in a cost-efficient manner, contributing to the region's tourism and infrastructure development.
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5km from Zanzibar City
Zanzibar's main airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is located about 5km south of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. The airport was renamed in 2010 in honour of Abeid Amani Karume, Zanzibar's first president. It is situated on Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 serving international flights and Terminal 2 serving domestic and some international flights. The airport offers various amenities and services, including duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and financial services. There are also cafes, eateries, and shops located outside the terminal buildings.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport handles flights to and from East Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Several international airlines offer direct flights to the island, providing convenient connections to other parts of the world.
The airport is easily accessible from the mainland and Pemba, and it serves as a gateway to the island's many attractions. Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination known for its luxurious boutique hotels, sunbathing, jungle exploration, historic sites in Stone Town, and various water sports and tours.
Zanzibar Airport is also known for its unique approach and departure paths, with south approaches and departures occurring over the water. The airport has a busy atmosphere, accommodating over two million passengers annually, including business travellers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers.
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International and domestic flights
Zanzibar's main airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, located on Unguja Island, around 5 kilometres south of Zanzibar City. The airport was previously known as Kisauni Airport or Zanzibar International Airport, but was renamed in 2010 in honour of Abeid Amani Karume, Zanzibar's first president.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport offers flights to East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with intercontinental flights to and from Europe, the Middle East, and China. There are no direct flights from the United States, Canada, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Southern Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, or Oceania. However, travellers from these regions can fly to other destinations with direct connections to Zanzibar, such as Doha, London, Dar es Salaam, or Nairobi, and then catch a connecting flight to Zanzibar.
For example, travellers from London can fly to Doha and then take a connecting flight to Zanzibar, arriving around 14:20. Alternatively, they can fly to Nairobi and take a direct flight to Zanzibar, with a journey time of around one hour and twenty minutes. From the United States, travellers can organise their own flights to London and then connect to a flight to Zanzibar, taking advantage of preferential rates on flights between the UK and Africa.
There are 27 airlines that fly to Zanzibar, with most flights operated by FlexFlight. Other airlines include Neos, Edelweiss Air, World 2 Fly, Air France, KLM, TUI Fly, Air Tanzania, Flydubai, Air Excel, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, and Turkish Airlines.
Zanzibar Airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 is inactive and was used during the British protectorate of Zanzibar. Terminal 2 serves domestic and some international flights, while Terminal 3 serves international flights.
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Amenities and services
Zanzibar's main airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is located on Unguja Island, approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) south of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. The airport has been serving flights to East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It was previously known as Kisauni Airport and Zanzibar International Airport before being renamed in 2010 to honour Abeid Amani Karume, Zanzibar's first president.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport features multiple terminals, each designed to cater to different types of flights and passenger needs. Terminal 1, constructed during the British colonial era, is currently inactive and serves as the airport office. Terminal 2, which handles both domestic and some international flights, is praised for its convenient services and accessible layout. It also serves as the administrative hub for the entire airport. Terminal 3, the newest and most modern facility, exclusively manages international travel and offers advanced amenities, comfortable spaces, and improved efficiency for international passengers.
The airport provides a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. Here are some of the notable amenities and services available at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport:
- Efficient Passport Checks: While some travellers have noted that passport checks could be faster, others have praised Terminal 3 for its efficient and swift passport control processes, with multiple open visa stations.
- Local SIM Cards: Passengers can purchase local SIM cards behind the conveyor belt in Terminal 3, ensuring they stay connected during their stay in Zanzibar.
- Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services are available at the entrance of Terminal 3, offering an additional layer of protection for a fee of 20,000 TZS per large suitcase.
- Shopping and Dining: The airport offers a variety of shopping options, including gift shops, local craft stores, and duty-free shops selling beauty products, souvenirs, spices, tea, coffee, and jewellery. There is also a well-reviewed cafe, Spice, known for its good coffee and friendly staff. Additionally, Terminal 3 houses a bar/restaurant and a business-class lounge.
- Clean Facilities: The airport is generally regarded as clean, although some travellers recommend avoiding the toilets downstairs.
- Improved Infrastructure: With the construction of Terminal 3 and the upcoming Terminal 4, the airport is continuously upgrading its infrastructure to enhance the travel experience and accommodate the increasing passenger traffic.
- Cost-efficiency: The Zanzibar Airports Authority strives to provide high-quality airport services and facilities in the most cost-efficient manner, ensuring that travellers can benefit from efficient and affordable operations.
- Safety Measures: While one review mentioned issues with safety and organisation, the physical framework of the airport is generally considered fine, indicating that safety measures are in place.
These amenities and services at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport contribute to a functional and relatively pleasant travel experience for passengers visiting Zanzibar.
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Tourist destination
Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination, known for its tropical beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse coastline. The island offers a range of experiences, from exploring the historic streets of Stone Town, a World Heritage Site and former capital, to enjoying the idyllic beaches of the east coast and the exclusive islets off the main island.
Stone Town, the historical capital of Zanzibar, is a must-visit destination. Visitors can explore the narrow, cobbled streets, taking in places of interest such as Beit el-Ajaib (House of Wonders), a former sultan's palace. Guided tours offer an immersive experience into the history, culture, and cuisine of this former slave and ivory port.
The island's diverse coastline offers something for everyone. The north coast is known for its privacy and secluded beaches, while the north-east coast is home to top-end accommodation and excellent diving spots, including the archipelago's best reefs at Mnemba Island. The south coast is more populated and offers cultural and spice tours, while the south-east coast is popular for its beaches and resorts.
Zanzibar's east coast is renowned for its idyllic beaches, with a wide range of lodges to choose from. The west coast, home to Stone Town, feels more remote and offers a quieter side of the island. Off the main island, smaller islets like Mnemba provide a more exclusive and romantic experience, perfect for honeymooners seeking seclusion and tranquility.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, located on Unguja Island (also known as Zanzibar Island), serves as the main gateway to Zanzibar. It offers flights to East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, providing convenient access for travellers from around the world. The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 serving international flights and offering a range of amenities, including local craft shops, cafes, and a business-class lounge.
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Frequently asked questions
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main airport in Zanzibar, located on Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport offers essential amenities such as ATDs, financial services, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, a waiting lounge, a prayer room, a smoking area, a VIP lounge, and more.
There are plenty of taxis and other airport transportation options available at the airport. Many hotels and resorts also provide airport transportation services, but customers usually need to request this in advance.
Upon arrival, passports, boarding cards, and hand luggage are checked, and a body scan is performed. Luggage is delivered quickly, usually within five minutes. It is important to note that plastic bags are prohibited in Tanzania, so these should not be carried to Zanzibar.
