Pemba Airport Set for Major Upgrade as Zanzibar Hands Over Site to Contractor
The long-anticipated transformation of Pemba Airport has officially begun, following the Zanzibar government’s ceremonial handover of the project site to Brazil’s Propav Infraestructuras, in partnership with local firm Mecco. This milestone clears the way for full-scale modernization works, a move that promises to reshape the connectivity and tourism landscape of the Zanzibar archipelago and the wider East African region.
The journey to this point has not been without its hurdles. Project initiation was delayed by compensation disputes with affected communities and legal differences between contractors. With these obstacles now resolved, attention turns to the ambitious upgrade, valued at USD 200 million and financed through a credit facility from UK Export Finance—with Citibank London, Deutsche Bank London, and CRDB Bank acting as key partners. This funding structure underscores growing international confidence in East Africa’s aviation infrastructure and highlights the strategic importance of Pemba as a gateway for both leisure and commerce.
The project’s scope is transformative. Plans include extending the airport’s runway to 2.5 kilometers and constructing a new, state-of-the-art terminal with an annual capacity of 750,000 passengers. Once complete, Pemba will join the ranks of Tanzania’s international airports alongside Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro. This elevation is expected to not only boost Pemba’s profile as a destination in its own right, but also to unlock substantial new opportunities for tourism, trade, and regional investment.
For Africa’s travel industry, the Pemba Airport upgrade represents a significant advancement in cross-border connectivity. The expanded terminal and runway will enable larger aircraft operations, facilitating direct international flights and reducing dependency on regional gateways. This is particularly relevant for travel professionals looking to diversify itineraries and offer clients seamless access to the pristine beaches, marine reserves, and unique cultural experiences that Pemba Island has to offer.
The airport’s modernization is also poised to support Zanzibar’s broader vision of establishing itself as a premium tourism and investment destination. With capacity for 750,000 passengers annually, the new terminal will help accommodate growing visitor numbers driven by the archipelago’s rising appeal among both leisure and business travelers. Enhanced infrastructure, combined with targeted marketing and improved air access, will place Pemba firmly on the map for inbound tour operators, aviation partners, and investors seeking untapped potential in the Indian Ocean region.
Moreover, the project’s financing through a blend of international and regional banks reflects a trend toward innovative funding models for African infrastructure. The involvement of UK Export Finance and leading global financial institutions signals the growing attractiveness of East African aviation projects, which are increasingly seen as drivers of economic development, job creation, and regional integration.
As work gets underway, African travel professionals should monitor developments closely. The Pemba Airport upgrade is likely to trigger new route announcements, expanded charter and scheduled flight options, and greater opportunities for collaborative ventures with local stakeholders. Enhanced airport facilities will not only improve the passenger experience but also support the growth of specialized segments such as eco-tourism, adventure travel, and high-end resort stays—all areas where Pemba is well positioned to excel.
The modernization of Pemba Airport is more than a local infrastructure project; it is a strategic investment in the future of East African tourism and trade. As the island prepares to welcome larger volumes of travelers and cargo, the ripple effects will be felt across the region, offering travel professionals fresh reasons to include Pemba in their portfolios and prompting a new wave of innovation and collaboration in the African travel sector.
