Flights to Zanzibar

Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

Zanzibar International Airport (IATA: ZNZ) is located approximately 7 km south of Stone Town. It handles international and domestic flights, and is the main entry point for most travelers arriving by air. The airport is small but functional — expect a straightforward arrival process, immigration queues, and a short taxi or transfer ride to your accommodation.

Which Airlines Fly to Zanzibar?

There is no direct long-haul service from Europe, North America or Asia to ZNZ. Almost all visitors connect via:

Hub airports for connections

• Nairobi (NBO) — Jomo Kenyatta International: Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Flysax. Flight time to ZNZ: ~1 hour.
• Dar es Salaam (DAR): Precision Air, Auric Air, Air Tanzania, Safari Air Link. Flight time: 20–30 minutes.
• Mombasa (MBA): Seasonal charters and regional carriers.
• Addis Ababa (ADD): Ethiopian Airlines connects many European cities via Addis to ZNZ.
• Dubai (DXB): Flydubai operates direct flights to ZNZ, making it a popular choice for European travelers connecting via Dubai.
• Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways via Doha, excellent option for UK, European, and Asian travelers.

Airlines commonly used

• Kenya Airways
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Flydubai
• Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul → Nairobi → ZNZ)
• KLM (Amsterdam → Nairobi → ZNZ)
• British Airways (London → Nairobi → ZNZ)
• Air Tanzania (domestic and regional)
• Precision Air (Dar es Salaam ↔ Zanzibar)

Best Time to Book

Flights to Zanzibar are most expensive during peak tourist season (June–October and late December–January). Book at least 2–3 months in advance for these periods. Shoulder season (March–May, November) often has lower fares, though the long rains in April–May can affect beach conditions.

Flight Tips

• Check baggage allowances carefully — regional carriers (Precision Air, Jambojet) often have lower limits than intercontinental airlines.
• If flying via Nairobi, ensure you have at least 3 hours layover as connections can be tight.
• A Tanzania e-visa is required for most nationalities and costs USD 50. Apply online in advance at visa.immigration.go.tz.
• If arriving in Dar es Salaam first, consider the ferry to Zanzibar as an alternative to a connecting flight — it can be scenic and cheaper.

Getting from the Airport

From Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town takes around 15 minutes by taxi. To the north (Nungwi/Kendwa) expect 60–90 minutes. To the southeast (Paje/Jambiani) around 60 minutes. Consider pre-booking an airport transfer to avoid negotiating fares after a long journey.