Etihad Airways (EY), which recently launched its flights from Abu Dhabi to Kolkata, will reintroduce a seasonal route between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Zanzibar, operating four weekly flights from 14 June to 6 September 2026.
.jpg){kind=link}
This relaunch makes Zanzibar the 30th new destination announced by the third busiest airline in the Middle East by flight hours in 2025. The launch of this route comes mostly due to a robust demand from Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Emirates and Qatar Are Middle East’s Busiest Airlines by Flight Hours in 2025
Route Details and Service Offering
Etihad will start operating on this route from 14 June until 6 September 2026. Let’s have a look at the flight details:
| Flight Number | Departure Airport (IATA) | Departure Time | Arrival Airport (IATA) | Arrival Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY791 | Abu Dhabi – Zayed International Airport (AUH) | 09:10 | Zanzibar – Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) | 13:50 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| EY792 | Zanzibar – Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) | 17:50 | Abu Dhabi – Zayed International Airport (AUH) | 00:30 (+1) | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
Etihad’s previous Zanzibar operations
Etihad has intermittently flown to Zanzibar in past summer seasons. In 2022, the carrier reactivated the route alongside other seasonal destinations. In 2023, it even extended its Zanzibar service to January. Zanzibar, therefore, is Etihad’s rotational, demand-driven destination rather than a permanent trunk route.
The carrier is set to operate on its Zanzibar route on its Airbus A320.
Why do airbus planes start with the letter A and the number 3?
The carrier operates fifteen aircraft of this type (A320-200), and these have an average age of 13.8. The youngest of these is registered A6-EJA and has an average age of 10.5 years. The oldest of these is A6-EIA and is 22.7 years old.
Let’s look at how the carrier configures this aircraft:
| Class | Seat Type & Configuration | Row Pitch | Seat Width | Seat Recline | Entertainment & Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | Sixteen articulated cradle seats, 2-2 configuration, padded leg-rest, adjustable headrest | 45″ | 20″ | 8″ | 10.4″ HD touchscreen display; universal AC (110V) and USB-A sockets |
| Economy | 120 Acro Series 6 slimline seats, 3-3 configuration, adjustable headrest, tablet holder | 32″ | 17.5″ (B & E: 18″) | 3″ | USB-A socket |
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, was joyed with the opening of the route, commented:
” Zanzibar is the perfect summer escape and we are thrilled to welcome it back to our growing network….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.”
.jpg){kind=link}
Comparable Seasonal Route Relaunches
Below is a comparative table of similar route reactivations by Etihad to tourism destinations:
| Route | Period of Operation | Frequency | Aircraft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi – Al Alamein (DBB) | 17 July | 2 × weekly | A320 | Seasonal reinstatement |
| Abu Dhabi – Palma de Mallorca | Summer 2026 (From 12 June until mid-September 2026) | 3 x weekly (Tue, Fri, Sun) | Airbus A321LR | Seasonal |
| Abu Dhabi – Malaga | On and off from 2022 (operated mostly in the summers) | 2 x weekly (in 2022) | Boeing 787 | Similar logic of seasonal leisure demand reactivation — industry norm |
.jpg){kind=link}
All in All
The addition of Zanzibar makes it the 30th destination on the carrier’s list. Etihad calls it “the perfect gateway to palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant Swahili culture“. Here are a few tourist attractions of the place:
| Attraction | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | Zanzibar City | UNESCO World Heritage Site; historic Arab, Persian & Indian architecture |
| Forodhani Gardens | Stone Town waterfront | Evening food market; street food stalls |
| Prison Island (Changuu) | Off Stone Town | Tortoise sanctuary; historic prison ruins |
| Jozani Forest | Central Zanzibar | Red colobus monkeys; mangrove boardwalk |
| Nungwi Beach | Northern tip | White-sand beach; dhow building; sunset views |
| Kendwa Beach | Northwest coast | Swimming beach; vibrant nightlife |
| Spice Farms | Various inland areas | Clove, cinnamon, nutmeg plantations |
| The Old Fort | Stone Town | 17th-century fortification; cultural events |
| House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) | Stone Town | Historic palace museum (under renovation) |
| Mnemba Atoll | Northeast coast | Diving & snorkeling; marine reserve |
Currently, no carrier offers direct flights between Abu Dhabi ani Zanzibar. Qatar offers a one stop flight via Doha on the Airbus A320, while Ethiopian offers one stop flight via Addis Ababa on its Boeings.