Zanzibar to host major African aviation summit next month

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is set to host one of Africa’s premier aviation summits this June, with representatives from 20 international airports and 48 airlines expected to attend.

The event, AviaDev Africa, will bring together more than 500 delegates, including tourism investors, airline executives and aircraft manufacturers from around the globe.

According to Director General of the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA), Mr Seif Abdallah Juma, the summit aims to connect African and global aviation stakeholders with opportunities to launch new air routes and enhance the continent’s connectivity.

The event is being organised by ZAA in collaboration with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT).

“This summit provides a strategic platform to attract more flights to Zanzibar and promote the region as a key tourism hub,” said Juma, adding that several airlines have already shown interest in starting operations to the island as early as June.

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The summit will take place from June 11 to 13 and is expected to elevate Zanzibar’s visibility in the global aviation and tourism markets.

Officials believe it will also strengthen synergies between the aviation and tourism sectors, driving economic growth.

Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) is undergoing significant improvements to increase its handling capacity to more than 1.4 million passengers annually.

The airport development includes the refurbishment and expansion of Terminal II, positioning the island as a competitive destination for international travel.

Aviation stakeholder Ms Bertha Elias said that the summit will showcase the government’s investments in the aviation sector and open new economic opportunities.

“Zanzibar has one of the best airports in East Africa. This summit is a golden opportunity to highlight our tourism potential to the world,” she said.