Tanzania has made history by securing two of the top 10 busiest airports in Africa by July 2025. The figures confirm the country’s position as a rising hub for air travel and tourism.
According to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), a study conducted showed that Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) in Zanzibar ranked ninth, with an average of 92 flights arriving or departing daily.
Meanwhile, Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam ranked tenth with an average of 84 flights per day. This achievement puts Tanzania in line with major African countries such as South Africa and Ethiopia, which have busy airports.
Tourism Diplomacy
The main driver of this growth has been the dedicated efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan through tourism diplomacy, particularly through the film ‘The Royal Tour’ and its international campaign.
By inviting private tourists, President Samia put Tanzania’s tourism treasures on the world stage. As a result, international awareness of Tanzania has increased, resulting in record-breaking numbers of tourists arriving in Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.
Economic Opportunities
The recognition of the Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam airports is not just a matter of prestige, but an indicator of economic growth and international relations. Zanzibar’s rise reflects its status as a leading tourist destination in Africa, with increased air travel contributing to increased foreign exchange earnings and job creation in the hotel, transport and cultural sectors.
On the other hand, Dar es Salaam, as the country’s main commercial hub, benefits from ease of connectivity that facilitates trade and investment, particularly with East African neighbours and international partners. Overall, these achievements strengthen Tanzania’s national brand and its position in the international arena.
Behind these achievements, lies the crucial role of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). As the country’s aviation regulator, TCAA ensures compliance with international safety and security standards, facilitates the issuance of licenses and certificates to air operators, and coordinates with airport authorities and airlines to drive sustainable growth.
Tanzania’s entry into the top 10 busiest airports in Africa is a sign of the significant progress achieved in the aviation, tourism and economic sectors. With the able leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the strong direction of TCAA, and the commitment of aviation stakeholders, Tanzania’s skies have never been brighter.
