Zanzibar Launches Direct Cargo Flight Service from Dubai, Boosting Economic Growth
Traders in Zanzibar are set to experience faster and more efficient goods delivery with the introduction of a direct cargo flight service between Dubai and the archipelago. The inaugural Boeing 728 aircraft, capable of transporting 20 tonnes of cargo, successfully landed at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, marking a significant milestone for the region’s trade infrastructure.
Zanzibar Airports Authority leadership highlighted the strategic importance of this new route, emphasizing its potential to accelerate economic development and provide relief to local traders who have long struggled with logistical delays. The new service represents a critical advancement in the island’s transportation capabilities, reducing delivery times and supporting key economic sectors.
The cargo route will operate weekly, creating unprecedented opportunities for local exporters of agricultural products, seafood, and other regional commodities. By facilitating faster and more reliable transportation, the service is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Zanzibar’s export markets, particularly in the United Arab Emirates.
Local traders have expressed enthusiasm about the new cargo service, noting the substantial improvement over traditional sea freight methods. Where maritime transportation previously required over a month for delivery, air freight now promises to reduce transit times to just one week, potentially revolutionizing local trade dynamics.
Government officials are actively working to improve port and airport infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of enabling traders to move goods within one to two days. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth, reduce commodity prices, and create more efficient trade networks.
The launch represents a significant step towards modernizing Zanzibar’s logistics capabilities and positioning the region as a more attractive destination for international trade and investment.
