MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s aviation industry is soaring to new heights as two of its key airports have been ranked among the top 10 busiest in Africa, reflecting the country’s growing importance in regional travel, business, and tourism.
Recent aviation data shows that Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport secured the ninth position with an average of 92 daily flights, while Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam followed closely at tenth place with 84 flights each day. This recognition positions Tanzania alongside continental leaders such as Johannesburg, Cairo, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi.
The success of Zanzibar’s airport is largely attributed to the completion of Terminal 3, a state-of-the-art facility designed to handle more than 4 million passengers annually. Its modern architecture, expanded passenger lounges, and digital systems have significantly improved efficiency and elevated the island’s reputation as a global destination. The development comes at a time when Zanzibar continues to attract tourists in record numbers, particularly from Europe and Asia, where charter flights have grown sharply.
Meanwhile, Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport remains the country’s primary business hub. Strategic upgrades—including extended runways, expanded check-in counters, and new cargo handling systems—have enabled it to accommodate larger aircraft and more frequent international services. This has cemented Dar’s role as an entry point not just for business travelers but also for regional trade and investment.
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Beyond infrastructure, airline capacity in Tanzania has surged by over 21% in the past year, making it the fastest growth rate on the continent. This remarkable expansion is being fueled by increased operations from carriers such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Air Tanzania, which continues to expand its regional and intercontinental routes (Air Tanzania).
Tourism remains a powerful driver of this growth. Zanzibar, famous for its pristine beaches and UNESCO-listed Stone Town, has become one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Africa (Zanzibar). On the other hand, Dar es Salaam plays a dual role—serving as both a transit hub and a gateway to the country’s wildlife tourism circuit, including world-renowned attractions like Serengeti National Park (Serengeti).
According to recent passenger traffic data, Julius Nyerere International Airport handled nearly 2.9 million passengers in 2024, while Zanzibar’s airport welcomed approximately 2.38 million travelers. With the latest figures showing an even sharper rise this year, analysts predict Tanzania will continue climbing the continental aviation ladder.
