Zanzibar’s Aviation Sector Soars: Revenues Surge to Sh50 Billion, Passenger Numbers Set to Exceed 2.7 Million
Zanzibar’s aviation industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with airport revenues dramatically increasing from Sh18 billion to Sh50 billion over the past three years. The archipelago’s strategic airport development has driven a substantial 23 percent year-on-year rise in passenger traffic, projecting numbers to reach 2.7 million by the end of 2025.
Key highlights of the aviation sector’s transformation include:
– Passenger traffic growth from 1.9 million in 2023 to a projected 2.7 million in 2025
– Over 200 percent revenue increase in just three years
– 78 airlines currently operating flights to Zanzibar
– Strategic infrastructure enhancements to support growing international connectivity
The sector is poised for further expansion, with plans to host the 2025 AviaDev Africa conference in June. This international event is expected to attract over 500 participants and 50 aviation-related organizations, highlighting Zanzibar’s emerging status as a regional aviation hub.
International flight resumptions, such as Air France’s three weekly flights with 275-passenger capacity, underscore the destination’s growing global appeal. Local tourism experts emphasize the critical role of continued infrastructure investment in attracting international visitors and driving economic growth.
The aviation and tourism sectors remain pivotal to Zanzibar’s economic strategy, generating significant employment opportunities and contributing substantially to foreign exchange earnings and infrastructure development.
As Zanzibar continues to strengthen its position in the global aviation landscape, the region demonstrates remarkable potential for sustained economic growth and international connectivity.
