RwandAir launches weekly Zanzibar flights as aviation sector grows

ZANZIBAR: THE Isles government, through the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the aviation sector to ensure professional and efficient air transport services.

The assurance was given by Director General of ZAA, Mr Seif Abdallah Juma, during a ceremony for welcoming RwandAir’s inaugural flight from Kigali to Zanzibar at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

“The launch of this new route reflects Zanzibar’s improved and enabling aviation environment,” Mr Seif said, citing ongoing airport expansion, construction of new passenger terminals and robust infrastructure that meets international standards.

He added that discussions to enhance cooperation between the two sides have been ongoing for years, making the landing a “dream come true” for both countries.

Mr Seif described RwandAir’s entry into the Zanzibar route as a major opportunity to stimulate tourism, trade and economic growth.

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He also noted the long-standing ties between Rwandans and Tanzanians as neighbouring communities who jointly contribute to regional development.

He emphasised that Tanzania remains peaceful and stable, as demonstrated by confidence shown by international airlines, and expressed optimism that Zanzibar will record the highest number of arriving flights this December.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Patrick Nyamvumba, said the new route marks an important step in strengthening longstanding cooperation between the two countries in trade, tourism, people to-people movement and broader socio-economic development within the East African Community.

Acting RwandAir Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ernest Mushi, said Zanzibar is now the airline’s third destination in Tanzania after Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro.

He said the expansion is part of RwandAir’s strategy to enhance accessibility and efficiency of air travel across East Africa.

He added that the new service will facilitate seamless travel between Kigali, Zanzibar and Mombasa, leveraging the airline’s broad route network.

The aircraft that touched down for the first time has a capacity of 109 passengers.

RwandAir will operate four flights a week to Zanzibar on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.