EgyptAir opens new gateway for Zanzibar
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has opened a new gateway to international tourism, trade and investment following the launch of direct EgyptAir flights between Cairo and the islands, officials said.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed said the arrival of Egypt’s national carrier marked a new chapter in Zanzibar’s efforts to connect with international markets through Cairo, one of the region’s major aviation hubs.
Speaking after receiving the inaugural flight at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), Dr Mohammed said the service followed lengthy discussions between Zanzibar and EgyptAir and reflected strengthening relations between Zanzibar, Egypt and Tanzania.
“The fact that this aircraft has arrived today restores the relationship and closeness between the people of Zanzibar and Egypt, as well as between Egypt and Tanzania as a whole,” he said.
He said the relationship had been strengthened through cooperation in trade, investment, education, health and other social services.
The minister said the new route was also part of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s efforts, under President Hussein Mwinyi, to improve connectivity with destinations within and beyond Africa while strengthening the blue economy, tourism, transport and social services.
He said the number of airlines serving AAKIA had increased significantly, with about 33 international airlines now operating there and more than 90 airlines using the airport overall.
Passenger numbers have also increased sharply, from about 840,000 in 2020 to nearly 2.6 million currently, putting Zanzibar on course to handle three million passengers annually, he said.
Dr Mohammed said EgyptAir would give Zanzibar greater access to global markets, as passengers travelling through Cairo would be able to connect with numerous destinations worldwide.
“This aircraft will now help us promote tourism because when it leaves Zanzibar for Cairo, it carries tourists from different places, while also connecting tourists through Cairo to various countries,” he said.
He added that increased air connectivity would also support trade and investment and contribute to broader economic growth.
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Dr Mohammed said the government was continuing discussions with EgyptAir on the possibility of establishing a Zanzibar-based airline capable of serving destinations within the region and beyond.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe said the new route would connect Zanzibar through Cairo to more than 14 European Union countries, as well as markets in North America, Central Europe and Eastern Europe.
