Zanzibar moves closer to establishing own airline

During a session of the Zanzibar House of Representatives held in Chukwani, deputy minister for Works, Communication, and Transport Mr Nadir Abdulatif Yussuf announced the development on Monday.

He revealed that the government is currently in discussions with EgyptAir, having already reached preliminary agreements to explore the feasibility of launching the airline.

“Engagements with EgyptAir are ongoing, and we have established initial agreements for the framework to create Zanzibar’s airline,” said Mr Yussuf in response to questions from House members.

His comments came after Mtambwe legislator Dr Mohamed Ali Suleiman urged the government to consider whether the time is right for implementing a long-term strategy to establish a Zanzibar-based national carrier.

Dr Suleiman also raised concerns about delays in providing air services to Pemba, stating that residents have long requested regular flights from Air Tanzania, the country’s flag carrier.

Additionally, Ziwani legislator Mr Suleiman Makame questioned the prolonged delays and urged the government to be transparent about any limitations rather than merely assuring residents that air services would be extended to the island.

In response, the Deputy Minister confirmed that Air Tanzania is set to launch scheduled flights to Pemba starting in July 2025, as part of broader efforts to enhance inter-island transportation.

“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,” Mr Yussuf said.

He noted that Pemba Airport serves between 90,000 and 100,000 passengers annually.

During the 2023/24 financial year, the airport handled 97,375 passengers, while the number slightly decreased to 94,907 in 2024/25.

The initiative to establish Zanzibar’s airline comes amid growing demand for improved air connectivity across the archipelago and ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism and investment climate in the region.