Etihad Resumes Zanzibar Summer Service for 2026 with Four Weekly Flights

(ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA) Etihad Airways will resume direct, seasonal service between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar with four weekly summer flights from June 14 to September 6, 2026, marking the carrier’s return to the Indian Ocean island after a pause.

The program targets peak holiday demand from Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ties into Etihad’s broader network build-out announced for 2025. The goal is to feed leisure travel to East Africa during the northern summer through predictable one-stop itineraries via Abu Dhabi.

Schedule, aircraft and routing

Etihad plans to operate Airbus A320 aircraft in a two‑cabin layout (Business and Economy). Flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, a schedule intended to help travelers plan connections through Abu Dhabi.

• Flight numbers and times
  • EY791 AUH 09:10 → ZNZ 13:50 (local)
  • EY792 ZNZ 17:15 → AUH 00:30 (+1)
• Approximate route length: 2,350 miles / 3,760 km

• Block time: ~4 hours 40 minutes
• Operating period: June 14–September 6, 2026
• Frequency: 4x weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays)
• Aircraft: Airbus A320 with Business and Economy

These daylight flight windows are chosen to support same‑day onward connections to mainland safari hubs and to align with Etihad’s strengthened European banks into Abu Dhabi.

Network context and passenger markets

Etihad’s route to Zanzibar becomes its 30th new destination announced in 2025, following Palma de Mallorca. The carrier is using summer flights to serve destinations with strong mid‑year tourism peaks.

Zanzibar’s appeal to Etihad’s customers includes:

• UNESCO‑listed Stone Town and cultural attractions
• Spice farms and local tours
• White‑sand beaches and reef access — ideal for families and honeymooners

The airline is positioning Zanzibar as part of twin‑centre holidays paired with mainland East African safari destinations such as the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. Daylight arrival/departure times are intended to ease same‑day hops with local operators, although those onward segments generally require separate bookings.

“The A320 setup is well suited to medium‑haul comfort,” and the schedule is designed to match typical family and honeymoon travel windows during the northern summer.

Summer 2026 operations at a glance

Booking tips and demand dynamics

With booking now open, Etihad is signaling confidence in mid‑2026 demand and giving travelers time to organize group travel and longer stays.

• High‑demand periods: Seats in July and August typically sell fastest, especially for weekend departures.
• Search strategies: Use flexible date searches and set fare alerts to catch dips, particularly in shoulder weeks (late June, early September).
• Fare rules: Compare fare conditions before purchase; flexible options may reduce change fees or penalties.
• Cabin choice: Business seats provide lounge access and a quieter cabin; Economy is the standard A320 product.

Practical planning notes

• The Zanzibar program is strictly seasonal for 2026 — no flights outside June 14–September 6.
• Allow buffer time between flights and overland safari segments to account for weather, road conditions, and local schedules.
• Share flight details with ground operators early if combining beach and safari stays, since small arrival shifts can affect transfers and first‑day plans.
• Keep in mind that onward safari connections are typically booked separately from the core Abu Dhabi–Zanzibar leg.

Entry, health and official requirements

Travelers should confirm entry, health, and transit rules with official sources close to departure, as requirements can change and airline schedules do not alter government rules.

For authoritative visa and entry information, consult the Tanzania Immigration Services Department:
https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/

• Carry printed or digital copies of any required approvals.
• Ensure passport validity and onward travel meet posted rules.

Operational and industry implications

Etihad’s seasonal deployment allows the airline to:

• Efficiently use single‑aisle aircraft for medium‑haul leisure markets.
• Maintain premium options in Business while aligning capacity with observed demand.
• Leverage double‑daily European services into Abu Dhabi to widen arrival banks feeding leisure routes like Zanzibar, improving chances of same‑day connections from secondary European cities.

For residents of European cities served by Etihad’s expanded schedule, Abu Dhabi becomes a viable one‑stop path to Zanzibar without long layovers. For GCC travelers, a four‑day‑per‑week schedule provides adequate choice to fit school calendars and public holidays while keeping capacity matched to demand. The set pattern also helps hotels and tour operators plan allotments and staffing for the summer peak.

Final notes and currency of information

• Seats across both cabins are on sale through Etihad’s website and mobile app.
• All details cited here are current as of October 2025.
• If Etihad adjusts timings or capacity, official Etihad channels will publish the latest changes.

For now, the structure is clear: summer flights, four times a week, with a fixed day‑of‑week pattern, daylight departures, and a straightforward A320 operation linking Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar during the 2026 holiday season.