In another new route announcement, Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, has announced that it plans to commence a new route between its home hub and the Indian Ocean paradise island of Zanzibar. The airline will commence the three-times-weekly service using its fleet of Airbus A320 narrowbodies. The new flights mark the return of the route to “the Indian Ocean’s legendary spice island.”
From 14 June until 6 September 2026, Etihad will operate four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), “giving travellers the perfect gateway to palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant Swahili culture,” according to the airline.
Zanzibar becomes Etihad’s 30th destination announced so far in 2025 and follows hot on the heels of Palma in the Balearic Islands, announced on September 26, 2025. According to the airline, the decision to return to Zanzibar has been facilitated by Etihad’s larger and more complete European network, with multiple double-daily services now feeding Abu Dhabi, which in turn allows for more feeder traffic.
“With two major European banks creating efficient connections in both directions, Zanzibar is now more accessible than ever for guests from Europe and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region. The seasonal service taps into strong summer demand for the destination from across these regions and complements Etihad’s growing global network<” said an airline statement.
The route has a sector length of 2,350 miles (3,760km) and will take around four and 40 minutes to fly. The airline has a fleet of 16 Airbus A320s, which generally accommodate eight passengers in business class and 150 in economy class.
The new services are scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays as EY791 at 09:10 and arrive in Zanzibar at 13:50 local time. The return leg (operating on the same days) will depart Zanzibar as EY792 at 17:15, arriving back into Abu Dhabi at 00:30 the following morning.
“Zanzibar is the perfect summer escape, and we are thrilled to welcome it back to our growing network,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “From world-famous beaches and spice markets to rich history and culture, Zanzibar has something for everyone. We know it’s a destination our guests have been eager to see return, and we can’t wait to connect them to this unique island paradise.”
The airline added, “Part of Tanzania’s idyllic archipelago, Zanzibar is celebrated for its UNESCO-listed Stone Town, spice plantations, and some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. From diving in coral reefs to exploring centuries-old alleyways, the island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. The island also serves as a gateway to East Africa’s iconic safari destinations, making it an ideal twin-centre holiday with the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro.”
Just days previously, Etihad announced its new route to Palma De Mallorca in the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Palma became the 29th new destination announced by Etihad in 2025 and will mark the only direct connection between Asia and Palma de Mallorca, opening a new gateway to Ibiza and the wider Balearic Islands. Also commencing on June 12, 2026, and operating until mid-September 2026, Etihad will operate its new three-weekly flight between Abu Dhabi-Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
