Zanzibar is forging ahead with plans to establish its own national airline, a move aimed at boosting tourism and connectivity across the archipelago.
Deputy Minister for Works, Communication, and Transport Nadir Abdulatif Yussuf announced that the government is in advanced talks with EgyptAir to explore the feasibility of launching the carrier.
Speaking during a session of the Zanzibar House of Representatives in Chukwani, Yussuf revealed that preliminary agreements have been reached with EgyptAir to lay the groundwork for the airline. “Engagements with EgyptAir are ongoing, and we have established initial agreements for the framework to create Zanzibar’s airline,” he said, addressing questions from House members.
The announcement follows calls from legislators, including Mtambwe representative Dr. Mohamed Ali Suleiman, who pressed the government to clarify its long-term strategy for a national carrier. Suleiman also highlighted ongoing concerns about limited air services to Pemba, where residents have long demanded regular flights from Air Tanzania, the country’s flag carrier.
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Ziwani legislator Suleiman Makame echoed these concerns, urging transparency on delays in expanding air services to Pemba. In response, Yussuf confirmed that Air Tanzania will launch scheduled flights to Pemba starting in July 2025. “A Q300 aircraft with a capacity of 50 passengers has already completed test flights at Pemba Airport. Regular operations are expected to commence next month,” he said.
Pemba Airport, which handles between 90,000 and 100,000 passengers annually, saw 97,375 travelers in the 2023/24 financial year, with a slight dip to 94,907 in 2024/25. The push for a national airline aligns with Zanzibar’s broader efforts to enhance inter-island transportation and strengthen its tourism and investment appeal.
