ABU DHABI — Etihad Airways will introduce new seasonal flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar starting June 2026, the carrier confirmed this week, in a move that underscores the airline’s strategy to grow its leisure-focused network and strengthen ties with key African markets.
The service will operate twice weekly through September 2026 using Airbus A320 aircraft, offering passengers the choice of Business and Economy cabins. The flights are designed to meet peak holiday demand, particularly from travelers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Europe seeking direct access to one of East Africa’s most sought-after islands.
Direct Link to East Africa
The new route will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), enhancing options for both inbound and outbound travelers. Zanzibar, part of Tanzania, has steadily grown in popularity with international tourists, thanks to its combination of white-sand beaches, the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, and its historic spice trade heritage.
Etihad said the decision to reinstate Zanzibar flights reflects both rising demand for sustainable tourism in Africa and growing leisure travel from the UAE.
“Zanzibar becomes Etihad’s 30th destination, announced this year…Zanzibar is now more accessible than ever for guests from Europe and the GCC. The seasonal service taps into strong summer demand for the destination from across these regions and complements Etihad’s growing global network,” the airline said in a statement.
Tourism and Trade Benefits
Industry analysts note that the new service will likely provide a boost to the island’s tourism sector, which has been recovering steadily after the pandemic. The addition of direct flights from Abu Dhabi also strengthens bilateral ties between the UAE and Tanzania, expanding opportunities for both leisure and small-scale trade.
Zanzibar’s tourism industry accounts for a significant share of Tanzania’s economy, and the influx of visitors from the Middle East and Europe is expected to bring additional revenue for resorts, cultural attractions, and local businesses.
Fleet and Service Strategy
The choice of the Airbus A320 for the seasonal route reflects Etihad’s broader strategy of pairing efficient aircraft with high-demand leisure destinations. The narrowbody jets, configured in a two-class layout, allow the airline to balance premium service in Business Class with competitive Economy fares for budget-conscious travelers.
Etihad has been focusing on enhancing passenger experience with optimized schedules and a modernized fleet, aiming to capture more market share in the leisure travel segment while maintaining its reputation for premium service.
Expanding Footprint in Africa
Africa has been a growing focus for Etihad and other Gulf carriers, as the continent’s tourism and trade markets continue to expand. With this seasonal addition, Etihad further cements its presence in East Africa while diversifying beyond its traditional hubs in Europe and Asia.
The move comes as part of the airline’s network expansion strategy, which in recent years has included adding seasonal destinations that align with high holiday demand rather than year-round schedules.
Bottom Line
Etihad Airways’ decision to bring back flights to Zanzibar highlights both the island’s rising global appeal and the airline’s ambition to expand its footprint in key leisure markets. By leveraging efficient aircraft and targeted scheduling, Etihad aims to offer travelers direct access to one of Africa’s premier destinations while contributing to tourism growth on the island.
With operations set for the peak summer season, the carrier is positioning itself to capture demand from travelers across the Middle East and Europe looking for a mix of cultural exploration and tropical relaxation.
The first flights are scheduled to take off in June 2026.
