Passenger bridge project takes shape at Zanzibar airport

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR government is pressing ahead with strategic investments in air transport infrastructure, with steady progress recorded in the construction of a passenger connecting bridge at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA).

The project, overseen by the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, is designed to improve passenger movement between terminal buildings, enhance safety and elevate the overall travel experience at the country’s main gateway.

According to ZAA Public Relations Officer, Ms Mulhati Doria, once completed, the bridge will allow passengers to move seamlessly between sections of the airport without exposure to weather conditions. It is also expected to ease congestion, particularly during peak travel periods.

She said the upgrade is part of a broader modernisation drive aimed at aligning the airport with international aviation standards.

“The development comes at a time when AAKIA is experiencing steady growth in passenger traffic,” she said.

In recent years, the airport has handled more than 1.5 million passengers annually, up from fewer than one million less than a decade ago. The increase has been driven largely by Zanzibar’s booming tourism sector, which continues to attract visitors from Europe, the Middle East and across Africa.

Data from the aviation sector also indicate a rise in international flights and airline operators serving Zanzibar, reflecting growing global interest in the destination. The expansion of Terminal 3 in recent years has further boosted the airport’s capacity to accommodate large numbers of passengers and modern aircraft.

Under the leadership of President Hussein Mwinyi, the government has prioritised infrastructure development as a key pillar of economic growth. The connecting bridge project is one of several ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Zanzibar’s position as a regional aviation hub in East Africa.

Ms Mulhati noted that improved airport infrastructure is critical not only for tourism but also for trade, investment and regional connectivity. By enhancing efficiency and passenger comfort, the government hopes to attract more airlines and increase flight frequency to and from the islands.

As construction progresses, the connecting bridge is expected to play a vital role in supporting Zanzibar’s long-term vision of becoming a modern, accessible and competitive destination.

For travellers passing through AAKIA, the project promises a smoother, safer and more convenient journey, reflecting the broader transformation underway in the isles’ transport sector.