Etihad boosts Zanzibar access with new summer‑only service

Etihad Airways has confirmed the return of its seasonal link between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar, a route that continues to gain relevance for outbound leisure flows from Europe and the Gulf into East Africa. The carrier will resume operations from 14 June until 6 September, flying four times each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, a schedule consistent with recent announcements from the airline and industry reports [[1]](https://www.breitflyte.com/post/etihad-airways-to-resume-service-to-zanzibar-for-summer-2026). The flights will be operated with an Airbus A320 configured with both Business and Economy cabins, maintaining a product familiar to the region’s market.

For Africa’s tourism specialists, the value of this route extends far beyond simple point‑to‑point traffic. Etihad has spent the last year expanding its network across major European gateways, and the return of Zanzibar is strategically aligned with the carrier’s ambition to strengthen two‑way leisure demand. According to industry sources, the connections will feed into Etihad’s broader European network, offering improved links for travellers from the continent and the GCC heading into East Africa during the high season. This type of network design allows African suppliers to tap into steady volumes of summer travellers—especially those seeking beach‑centric, culture‑rich holidays that compete directly with Mediterranean destinations.

Etihad’s chief executive Antonoaldo Neves positioned the route as a response to sustained demand, describing Zanzibar as an ideal summer escape. His remarks echo the increasing interest in Indian Ocean destinations, which continue to draw global recognition for their mix of pristine beaches, vibrant culture and culinary heritage. For sub‑Saharan tourism stakeholders—particularly DMCs and hoteliers—such positioning strengthens the narrative around multi‑country, multi‑experience travel across the region, with Zanzibar functioning as a natural extension to safari, cultural or adventure itineraries on the mainland.

The seasonal timetable published across industry channels confirms the operational details. Flight EY791 will leave Abu Dhabi at 09h10, reaching Zanzibar at 13h50. The return service EY792 is scheduled to depart at 17h50, arriving back in Abu Dhabi at 00h30 the following day. These daylight departures and early‑morning arrivals are advantageous for international connections through Abu Dhabi, reducing transit times and improving connectivity for long‑haul travellers heading to and from Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia.

From a market perspective, the timing of the relaunch is particularly relevant. Zanzibar traditionally peaks between June and September, coinciding with favourable weather patterns and increased long‑haul demand. With Etihad’s summer operation, local operators can expect stronger occupancy across coastal resorts and boutique accommodations. The return of the route also reinforces confidence in East Africa’s tourism recovery, complementing other capacity increases by Gulf and European carriers into Tanzania.

The use of the Airbus A320 is notable. Narrow‑body equipment reflects a broader fleet optimisation strategy that many global airlines are adopting for medium‑haul leisure routes. For the African trade, this often translates to stable inventory without the volatility associated with wide‑body seasonal deployment. It also provides predictable scheduling for series bookings, group travel and packaged summer products where airlines and ground suppliers can coordinate reliably.

Another advantage for the region is Etihad’s growing reach into secondary European cities. As connectivity deepens, Zanzibar becomes more accessible to travellers who might previously have bypassed East Africa due to limited flight options or complex routing. This broadens the pool of potential visitors and supports diversification in source markets. The GCC remains an important contributor as well, with the new schedule creating easy, short‑haul access for residents looking for culturally immersive island experiences.

The competitive landscape in the Indian Ocean is evolving rapidly, with carriers increasingly targeting niche seasonal demand. For African professionals, Etihad’s decision signals continued confidence in Zanzibar’s long‑term positioning within the region’s tourism mix. The island’s appeal—its spice heritage, Stone Town’s UNESCO‑listed charm, rich Swahili culture and idyllic beach resorts—aligns closely with the preferences of today’s premium leisure travellers. As global airlines expand their networks, destinations able to offer both authenticity and comfort stand to benefit the most.

Looking ahead, the renewed service may encourage further investment interest in Zanzibar’s hospitality sector. Over the past decade, the island has seen a rising number of branded properties entering the market, and improved air access typically accelerates this trend. Local operators should prepare to leverage Etihad’s connectivity by refining marketing approaches for European and GCC audiences, with emphasis on sustainable experiences, cultural immersion and new luxury offerings that align with evolving traveller expectations.

For the wider sub‑Saharan region, such developments highlight the importance of aviation partnerships in shaping tourism flows. Strong summer links from Gulf carriers not only support individual destinations but also influence multi‑stop travel patterns across East Africa. As travellers increasingly seek contrast within one trip—combining beach stays with wildlife, cultural encounters and adventure—airlines that facilitate seamless regional access will play a growing role in defining the customer journey.

With Etihad reinstating Zanzibar in time for the peak season, Africa’s tourism industry gains another strategic air bridge connecting regional experiences to global demand. The summer‑only operation will once again position the island at the heart of seasonal leisure traffic from Europe and the Middle East, offering both immediate and long‑term potential for local suppliers and regional partners alike.