Zanzibar will take center stage in Africa’s aviation sector as it prepares to host the prestigious AviaDev Africa summit from June 11 to 13. The high-level event is set to attract over 500 delegates, including representatives from 48 airlines, 20 international airports, global tourism investors, and aircraft manufacturers.
Organized by the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) in collaboration with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), the summit will focus on fostering air connectivity across the continent and unlocking new route development opportunities for both African and international carriers.
Mr. Seif Abdallah Juma, Director General of ZAA, highlighted that the event aims to position Zanzibar as a key aviation and tourism hub in the region. “This summit is a strategic opportunity to attract more direct flights to Zanzibar and showcase our growing potential in the global tourism and travel market,” he said.
With several airlines already expressing interest in launching routes to the island, the summit is expected to yield immediate outcomes in expanding Zanzibar’s flight network.
The event comes as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) undergoes major upgrades, including the expansion of Terminal II, to boost its annual capacity to over 1.4 million passengers. These investments reflect the island’s broader efforts to strengthen its position as a leading destination in East Africa.
Bertha Elias, a prominent aviation stakeholder, noted that the summit will also serve as a platform to highlight Zanzibar’s progress in aviation infrastructure and the government’s commitment to boosting economic growth through air transport and tourism integration.
“Zanzibar is ready to showcase its capabilities and attract new partnerships that will bring long-term benefits to both the local economy and the wider region,” she added.
The AviaDev summit is expected to increase the island’s visibility and establish stronger ties between tourism and aviation stakeholders, reinforcing Zanzibar’s role in shaping Africa’s air connectivity landscape.