South Africa-based regional airline Airlink will start a Johannesburg-Zanzibar route in June 2026, with the Tanzanian archipelago, famous for its spices, beaches, marine life, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town, becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination.
The airline will use its Embraer E195-E2 planes, which can carry 136 passengers, and will fly the route twice a week, with 4Z 010 departing Johannesburg at 12 p.m. and arriving in Zanzibar at 4:35 p.m., while 4Z 011 will leave Zanzibar at 12 p.m. and arrive in Johannesburg at 2:55 p.m. The schedule will allow passengers from across South Africa and the SADC region to connect via Johannesburg while facilitating onward connections on partner airlines globally.
Airlink CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht said, “Zanzibar’s proximity to Johannesburg, Airlink’s main hub, puts the island within reach of our customers based in Gauteng. The timing of the flights allows for Airlink connecting flights from other destinations we serve across South Africa and the SADC region. Similarly, Airlink will provide convenient connections for customers travelling between Zanzibar and almost anywhere in the world on our world-leading partner airlines.”
The economy of Zanzibar expanded 6.8% in 2024, based on tourism (which accounts for 30% of GDP) and agriculture (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, seaweed, and seafood). FDI in construction and manufacturing increased by 28% in 2025, with the “blue economy” (fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and offshore energy projects) emerging as the key focus area. A new online electronic visa system and visas on arrival have also enhanced the island’s popularity.
Major infrastructure projects, such as road upgrades and renewable energy initiatives, strengthen the island’s long-term development outlook. The government also promotes public-private partnerships to attract sustainable investments and create local employment.
Rising visitor arrivals from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia continue to fuel demand for hospitality and real estate projects. With these advancements, Zanzibar is emerging as one of the fastest-growing island economies in the Indian Ocean region.