Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ): Facts, Photos, and Shops

All You Need To Know About Abeid Amani Karume Airport

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (IATA: ZNZ) is Zanzibar’s main aviation gateway and, for many JimJam Safaris travelers, the arrival point for the beach half of a safari-and-island combination. Located on Unguja Island, just about 5 kilometers south of Zanzibar City, the airport was previously known as Kisauni Airport and Zanzibar International Airport before being renamed in 2010 to honor Abeid Amani Karume, the island’s first president. It’s operated by the Zanzibar Airports Authority, which also runs Pemba Airport, and by 2026 the airport handles over 1.5 million passengers annually, having grown from a modest regional airstrip into a genuine international hub. The airport is currently mid-transformation: construction of a new Terminal II, valued at roughly 34 million US dollars, began in December 2023 and is scheduled for completion in June 2026, alongside upgrades to the existing Terminal 1 building. Direct connections now extend well beyond the East African region, with Air Tanzania having launched direct flights between Nairobi and Zanzibar to strengthen regional connectivity, in addition to established routes to Europe and the Middle East.

For travelers combining a mainland safari with a Zanzibar beach finish, one of JimJam Safaris’ most requested itineraries, ZNZ is usually the smoother of two entry options. Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam sits roughly 75 kilometers from Zanzibar City when factoring in the ferry crossing, which makes flying directly into ZNZ the more time-efficient choice for anyone whose priority is beach time rather than transit hours. On arrival, travelers should be prepared for Zanzibar’s specific entry procedures: checking in requires proof of Zanzibar’s compulsory health insurance before proceeding to visa payment counters, a step that catches first-timers off guard if they haven’t been briefed in advance. It’s exactly this kind of practical detail- insurance, visa fees, terminal changes mid-construction, and connecting transfers from Serengeti or Kilimanjaro safaris, that JimJam Safaris builds into a client’s itinerary ahead of time, so the transition from safari dust to Indian Ocean sand happens without surprises at the airport counter.

Abeid Amani Karume Facts

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (IATA: ZNZ, ICAO: HTZA) is Zanzibar’s main aviation gateway, operated by the Zanzibar Airports Authority alongside Pemba Airport. Originally known as Kisauni Airport and later Zanzibar International Airport, it was renamed in 2010 to honor Abeid Amani Karume, the island’s first president. Abeid Amani Karume Airport handles over 1.5 million passengers annually, having transitioned from a modest regional airstrip into a full international hub. A major expansion is underway, with a new Terminal II, valued at roughly $34 million, under construction since December 2023 and scheduled for completion in June 2026, alongside upgrades to the existing Terminal 1 building.

Abeid Amani Karume Location

The airport sits on Unguja Island, Zanzibar’s main island, approximately 5 to 6 kilometers south of Zanzibar City and the UNESCO-listed Stone Town. South approaches and departures fly out over the water, giving arriving passengers striking views of the Indian Ocean coastline on final approach. For travelers combining a mainland Tanzania safari with a Zanzibar beach extension, flying directly into ZNZ is generally the faster route compared to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, which requires an additional ferry crossing to reach the islands, a detail worth factoring into any combined safari-and-beach itinerary.

Abeid Amani Karume Photos

The airport’s terminal buildings reflect its rapid modernization, moving from a simple regional structure toward the more contemporary international facility taking shape with the new Terminal II. The layout separates domestic and international processing, with the International Terminal housing passport control, visa counters, and the main departure lounge and shopping area after security. Aerial views show the airport’s runway extending toward the coastline, framed by Zanzibar’s characteristic turquoise waters, a fitting first and last impression for travelers arriving on or departing the Spice Island.

Abeid Amani Karume Duty-Free Shops

ZNZ’s International Terminal houses a main duty-free shopping area located near the Zanzibar Airport VIP Lounge after security. Typical offerings include spirits, tobacco, cosmetics, and Zanzibari specialties such as spices, cloves, and local crafts, popular souvenirs given the island’s Spice Island heritage. The lounge itself, accessible via business class tickets, elite airline status, or a day pass (around $25), offers air conditioning, light snacks, and shower facilities for transit passengers. Operations across retail and ground handling have seen recent international partnership involvement aimed at improving the passenger experience as part of the airport’s broader modernization push alongside the new terminal construction.