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The Director General of the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA), Seif Abdalla Juma, has emphasized the vital role of the aviation industry in Tanzania’s economic growth, warning that any disruptions could have serious consequences for the country’s overall development.
Speaking at a special gathering of aviation stakeholders in Unguja, Juma highlighted the industry’s growing impact, particularly in boosting tourism and national revenue. He revealed that in February 2025 alone, 82,750 visitors arrived in Zanzibar, with an overwhelming 91.3 percent (75,548 passengers) entering through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA).
“The aviation sector is the backbone of our tourism industry and plays a major role in the wider economy. Any challenges within this sector could have a ripple effect, slowing down progress in other areas,” Juma explained.
He also spoke about the recent recognition of AAKIA by the Airports Council International (ACI), which named it among the top airports in Africa for customer service quality in 2023. This achievement, he said, reflects ongoing efforts to improve passenger experiences and enhance operational efficiency.
To keep up with the rising number of visitors, Zanzibar has invested in major airport upgrades, including the construction of new terminals and business centers. These developments align with President Hussein Mwinyi’s vision to transform the airport into a modern aviation hub that attracts more tourists and investors.
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Tourism remains a pillar of Zanzibar’s economy, drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually, and the government is focused on further increasing these numbers. By enhancing aviation infrastructure, authorities hope to boost economic opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen Zanzibar’s global reputation as a top travel destination.
As the aviation industry continues to grow, Juma emphasized the importance of sustained investment and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure long-term success. “If we want to remain competitive, we must continue improving our services, infrastructure, and overall efficiency,” he said.
With these developments, Zanzibar is positioning itself as one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations, and aviation remains at the heart of its economic ambitions.
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