Zanzibar has received its first charter flight from Bulgaria, marking a renewed effort to diversify tourism markets and expand international air connectivity beyond the islands’ traditional visitor base.
On 25 January 2026, more than 190 tourists arrived on a Bulgaria Airlines charter flight at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, restoring direct arrivals from Eastern Europe after several years of decline following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism officials indicated that the flight reflects renewed international confidence in Zanzibar as a destination and forms part of a broader strategy to widen the island’s global tourism footprint. The arrival was described as a milestone in the sector’s post-pandemic recovery.
Eastern Europe has historically contributed to Zanzibar’s tourism industry, but arrivals fell sharply during the pandemic. The return of direct flights is viewed as evidence of renewed market confidence and the effectiveness of targeted diversification initiatives.
Zanzibar has traditionally drawn most visitors from Western Europe and North America. Authorities now expect future growth to be driven increasingly by emerging and non-traditional markets, including Eastern Europe, Asia and parts of Africa.
The government has set a target of attracting more than 1.5 million tourists annually by 2030. Recent trends suggest this objective could be achieved earlier, particularly as Zanzibar prepares to host visitors during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Bulgarian route was established through coordination between the Union Government and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, working in partnership with private-sector stakeholders.
Beyond tourism, officials believe the new air link could strengthen economic ties between Zanzibar and Bulgaria in areas such as trade, investment and business exchange. Direct connectivity is regarded as a catalyst for broader sectoral cooperation.
Bulgaria Airlines is expected to operate the charter service three times per month, with aircraft remaining in Zanzibar for the duration of passenger holidays. The service is projected to bring between 400 and 450 Bulgarian tourists to the islands each month.
Tourism operators identify Eastern Europe as an increasingly important source market, with travellers seeking long-haul beach destinations that combine cultural and historical attractions.
The Zanzibar Tourism Commission stated that the arrival enhances the island’s global visibility and complements ongoing efforts to promote the destination through cruise tourism and new aviation partnerships. The focus remains on increasing arrivals, extending the length of stay and improving tourism revenues while maintaining visitor experience standards.
Private-sector stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that securing direct international flights remains challenging. Recent policy reforms and infrastructure investment were credited with enabling the Bulgarian route. Discussions are under way to attract additional direct services from countries including Russia and Ukraine to further expand Zanzibar’s reach in Eastern Europe.
The Zanzibar Airports Authority confirmed that Bulgaria Airlines is the first new international carrier to operate at the airport this year and expressed optimism that additional airlines will follow. Ongoing investments include plans to link Terminal II and Terminal III, develop an Airport City and upgrade Nungwi Airport.
As global tourism rebounds and competition for international travellers intensifies, Zanzibar authorities view expanded air connectivity as central to sustaining growth. The arrival of the first Bulgarian charter flight is regarded as a strategic step to connect with new markets and position the islands as a globally competitive destination.
