TANZANIA’S ENTRY INTO AFRICA’S TOP 10 BUSIEST AIRPORTS: IS MORE THAN A MATTER OF PRESTIGE

By Prosper Makene - Tanzania has made history by securing two coveted spots in the ranking of Africa’s Top 10 busiest airports, as of July 2025. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) ranked ninth with an average of 92 flights per day, while Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam ranked tenth with 84 flights per day. This milestone places Tanzania alongside continental heavyweights such as Johannesburg, Cairo, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi.

A critical catalyst in this growth has been President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s bold tourism diplomacy, particularly the production and global promotion of The Royal Tour documentary. By personally inviting the world to experience Tanzania, President Samia placed the nation’s natural and cultural treasures on the global stage. The result has been a surge in international awareness, leading to record-breaking tourist arrivals in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, which in turn has driven demand for flights and boosted airport traffic.

The recognition of both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam airports among Africa’s busiest is more than a matter of prestige — it is an indicator of economic growth and global connectivity. Zanzibar’s rise reflects its status as one of Africa’s most sought-after holiday destinations, with increased flight traffic translating into higher tourist arrivals, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation across hospitality, transport, and cultural industries. Dar es Salaam, as the country’s main commercial hub, benefits from improved connectivity that facilitates cargo, business travel, and investment opportunities, particularly with East African neighbors and global partners. Collectively, this strengthens Tanzania’s national brand and global positioning.

Behind these achievements lies the regulatory role of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). As the country’s aviation regulator, TCAA has been ensuring compliance with international safety and security standards, streamlining licensing and certification of operators, and coordinating with airport authorities and airlines to support sustainable growth. At the same time, operators such as airlines, ground handlers, and airport companies have invested in improved services, fleet expansion, and customer experience, helping position Tanzania as a rising aviation hub.

With Tanzania’s airports now firmly on Africa’s aviation map, the challenge will be to sustain and scale this growth. This calls for continued investment in airport infrastructure, enhanced regional connectivity to cement Tanzania’s place as a hub for East and Central Africa, and stronger public-private partnerships to expand capacity and maintain world-class service.

Tanzania’s entry into Africa’s Top 10 busiest airports is both a symbol and a signal: a symbol of how far the country has come in aviation, tourism, and economic development; and a signal of the limitless opportunities that lie ahead. With the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the guidance of TCAA, and the commitment of aviation stakeholders, the nation’s skies have never looked brighter.