About flights from Zanzibar (ZNZ)
There's a particular kind of disorientation that hits you at Zanzibar's airport — you've just spent days wandering Stone Town's medieval alleyways, breathing in clove and salt air, and now you're standing in a terminal that connects this Indian Ocean island to 32 destinations across 19 countries. It shouldn't work as well as it does. But with a reach score of 73 out of 99, ZNZ punches well above its weight for an island airport, drawing routes from continental Africa, Europe, and the Gulf into one surprisingly capable hub. The scale of what's possible from here genuinely surprised me the first time I mapped it out. You're not just flying home — you're positioned at a crossroads.
Quick stats for ZNZ
- Direct destinations: 32
- Countries served: 19
- Continents reached: 3 of 6
- Average flight distance: 3,532 km
- Longest non-stop: Guangzhou (CAN) — 8,677 km (~10h 51m)
- Shortest non-stop: Dar Es Salaam (DAR) — 73 km (~5 min)
- Reach score: 73/99
Why fly to Zanzibar?
Italy claims five routes from ZNZ, more than any single non-African country, which tells you everything about who falls hardest for this island. Europeans, particularly Italians, have been making the pilgrimage for decades, and the infrastructure reflects that devotion. Kenya holds three routes, making East African overland-and-air combinations genuinely easy — Nairobi or Mombasa pair beautifully with a Zanzibar stay. The shortest flight in the network, just 73 kilometres to Dar es Salaam, is less a trip than a formality, a 15-minute hop that connects the island to Tanzania's commercial mainland. And then there's the longest: Guangzhou, China, at 8,677 kilometres, proof that the island's appeal has shifted decisively eastward in recent years. This isn't a sleepy island airport anymore.
Longest non-stop flights from ZNZ
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Zanzibar:
- Guangzhou, China (CAN) — 8,677 km, approximately 10h 51m
- Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) — 7,278 km, approximately 9h 6m
- Paris, France (CDG) — 7,095 km, approximately 8h 52m
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) — 6,918 km, approximately 8h 39m
- Madrid, Spain (MAD) — 6,785 km, approximately 8h 29m
Short-haul flights from ZNZ
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Zanzibar:
- Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania (DAR) — 73 km, approximately 5 min
- Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania (PMA) — 125 km, approximately 9 min
- Tanga, United Republic of Tanzania (TGT) — 126 km, approximately 9 min
- Mombasa, Kenya (MBA) — 247 km, approximately 19 min
- Kilimanjaro, United Republic of Tanzania (JRO) — 392 km, approximately 29 min
Top countries by direct connections from ZNZ
Zanzibar connects to 19 countries. Here are the most served:
- United Republic of Tanzania — 6 destinations (Arusha, Dar Es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Pemba and 2 more)
- Italy — 5 destinations (Bari, Catania, Milan, Rome and 1 more)
- Kenya — 3 destinations (Mombasa, Nairobi, Nairobi)
- United Arab Emirates — 2 destinations (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
- Egypt — 2 destinations (Cairo, Hurghada)
- Ethiopia — 1 destination (Addis Ababa)
- Netherlands — 1 destination (Amsterdam)
- Qatar — 1 destination (Doha)
Where to fly from Zanzibar
Flights to United Republic of Tanzania
Zanzibar has 6 direct routes to United Republic of Tanzania:
- Dar Es Salaam (DAR) — 73 km
- Pemba (PMA) — 125 km
- Tanga (TGT) — 126 km
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) — 392 km
- Arusha (ARK) — 424 km
- Seronera (SEU) — 643 km
Flights to Italy
Zanzibar has 5 direct routes to Italy:
- Catania (CTA) — 5,466 km
- Bari (BRI) — 5,741 km
- Rome (FCO) — 6,000 km
- Verona (VRN) — 6,393 km
- Milan (MXP) — 6,512 km
Flights to Kenya
Zanzibar has 3 direct routes to Kenya:
- Mombasa (MBA) — 247 km
- Nairobi (NBO) — 601 km
- Nairobi (WIL) — 607 km
Tips for travelers at ZNZ
The airport sits about 6 kilometres from Stone Town, and taxis are your most practical option — agree on a price before you get in, typically around $10-15 USD for the town centre. There's no rail link and public dalla-dalla minibuses, while cheap, aren't worth the hassle with luggage. Fly in during the dry seasons, June through October or December through February, if you want guaranteed beach weather. July and August see the highest traffic, so book connecting flights with a generous layover — the region runs on African time, and that's not a criticism, just useful information to build into your itinerary.
Airlines operating from ZNZ
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Zanzibar:
2W, 4Y, 4Z, 8N, AF, CQ, DE, ET, EY, F2, FA, FZ, JM, KL, KQ, NO, OR, PW, QR, SM, TC, TK, UI, UR, W2, WB, WK, WY
Frequently asked questions about flying to Zanzibar
How do I get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town or the city center?
You can take a taxi from the airport (about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic), which typically costs $15-25, or arrange a hotel shuttle in advance for a fixed rate. Some visitors also use ride-sharing apps if available, though taxis are the most straightforward option.
What's the best time of year to fly to Zanzibar?
The dry seasons (June-October and January-February) offer the best weather and are ideal for beach activities, though they're also peak tourist season. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder months of March-May and November are great alternatives with decent weather.
How many destinations can I reach with direct flights from Zanzibar?
Zanzibar Airport offers 32 direct destinations, connecting you to major cities across East Africa, the Middle East, and beyond without needing to change planes. This makes it a convenient hub if you're planning a multi-country African adventure.
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania through Zanzibar?
Most visitors need a visa, which you can obtain on arrival at the airport for around $50-100 USD (cash preferred), or apply online in advance through Tanzania's e-visa portal. Check your specific nationality requirements before traveling, as some countries have visa exemptions.
Any practical tips for getting through Zanzibar Airport smoothly?
Arrive early as immigration can move slowly, have your passport and vaccination records ready, and keep some cash in USD for visa fees and taxis since ATMs can be unreliable. The airport is relatively small and straightforward, so you won't need much time to get through it once you're through immigration.
Is flying to Zanzibar expensive compared to other East African destinations?
Zanzibar flights are generally competitively priced, especially if you book in advance or fly during shoulder season, with tickets often cheaper than flying to Dar es Salaam. Once you're there, accommodation and food are quite affordable, making it a budget-friendly tropical destination overall.
Plan your trip from Zanzibar
Browse the complete list of 32 destinations below to find your next flight from Zanzibar. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.