Etihad to relaunch Abu-Dhabi Zanzibar flights

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East African island of Zanzibar

Etihad Airways will resume seasonal flights from Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar from 14 June 2026, reinforcing the UAE capital’s links to one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after island escapes.

The addition of Zanzibar enhances Etihad’s growing portfolio of seasonal destinations, which includes the recently introduced Palma de Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands.

Running through 6 September, the new service will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using an Airbus A320 aircraft featuring both Business and Economy cabins.

Flights will depart Zayed International Airport (AUH) at 09:10, arriving into Zanzibar (ZNZ) at 13:50. The return service will leave Zanzibar at 17:50, landing back in Abu Dhabi at 00:30 the next day.

Part of Tanzania’s archipelago, Zanzibar is known for its Unesco World Heritage-listed Stone Town, spice plantations, coral-fringed coastline and vibrant Swahili culture.

Zanzibar is known for its palm-fringed white beaches and turquoise waters

The island also serves as a gateway for UAE and GCC travellers heading towards East Africa’s iconic safari destinations in the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, making it an appealing twin-centre option.

Commenting on the launch, Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: “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.”

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Zanzibar marks the 30th new destination announced by Etihad in 2025, expanding the network to nearly 90 cities worldwide, with other recent additions including services to Boston, USA, and Bali, Indonesia.

Commenting on the launch, Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: “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.”

Zanzibar marks the 30th new destination announced by Etihad in 2025, expanding the network to nearly 90 cities worldwide, with other recent additions including services to Boston, USA, and Bali, Indonesia.

Supporting its growth strategy, Etihad has 28 Boeing wide-bodies on firm order and expects delivery of a further 18 aircraft before the end of 2025, bolstering capacity and service enhancements across the network.

The Zanzibar announcement follows a record-breaking performance for Etihad. In the first half of 2025, the airline reported a profit after tax of AED1.1 billion, representing a 32% increase on the same period last year, which itself had set new benchmarks.

For more information, visit www.etihad.com