Find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Zanzibar in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Dubai (DXB) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 7h 15m – 12h 30m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €480 | high |
| February | €470 | high |
| March | €400 | medium |
| April | €320 | low |
| May | €310 | low |
| June | €380 | medium |
| July | €460 | high |
| August | €450 | high |
| September | €390 | medium |
| October | €370 | medium |
| November | €310 | low |
| December | €520 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Flydubai (direct): from €350 — Book directly on flydubai.com – they often have sales 6-8 weeks before departure. Use their fare calendar to find cheapest dates.
- Kenya Airways (connecting): from €420 — Via Nairobi – morning departures from DXB arrive same evening. Book 6+ weeks ahead for best rates. Their Safari fares sometimes include Zanzibar add-ons.
- Ethiopian Airlines (connecting): from €380 — Via Addis Ababa – often the cheapest connecting option. Morning flights from DXB with afternoon arrival in ZNZ. Check their student/youth discounts if eligible.
- Qatar Airways (connecting): from €480 — Via Doha – premium experience but longer total travel time. Best choice if using Qatar Qmiles for redemption. Book 8+ weeks ahead.
- Emirates (direct): from €550 — Seasonal direct flights – limited availability. Book 10+ weeks ahead as they release seats in batches. Check Skywards for reward flight availability.
Booking Strategy
For Dubai to Zanzibar, the sweet spot for booking is 6-8 weeks ahead of travel. Flydubai offers the best value for direct flights, typically priced €50-100 below equivalent connecting itineraries. If seeking cheap flights, target the shoulder months of April-May and November when prices drop to €300-350 roundtrip. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently €40-60 cheaper than Friday-Sunday flights on this route. For connecting options, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa frequently undercuts Kenya Airways by €30-50, though the Nairobi connection offers more convenient arrival times. Use Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ feature to visualize the cheapest dates – Zanzibar pricing fluctuates dramatically based on European school holiday periods. Avoid booking during European school holidays (late December, late March, July-August) when prices surge €150+ above baseline. Search in EUR rather than AED to compare apples-to-apples pricing across all airlines.
Route Tips
- Use Flydubai’s ‘Book Together’ option for better seat selection deals – their family fares often beat standalone pricing for groups of 3+.
- Check visa requirements before booking: UAE passport holders get 90-day visa on arrival in Tanzania, but other nationalities should verify e-visa availability beforehand.
- Zanzibar airport (ZNZ) has limited food options – eat before your flight or bring snacks, especially on early morning departures from Dubai.
- If flying Kenya Airways via Nairobi, check if your layover exceeds 8 hours – you may qualify for a free city tour of Nairobi.
- Emirates passengers can use their Dubai-Mombasa-Zanzibar routing which sometimes costs less than direct DXB-ZNZ despite the extra leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Dubai to Zanzibar?
The direct flight from Dubai (DXB) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. Flydubai operates seasonal direct flights, while Emirates also runs limited direct services during peak periods. If flying with a connection, expect 7-15 hours total travel time depending on your layover. The most common connections are Nairobi (Kenya Airways, 7h 15m), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines, 8-10h), and Doha (Qatar Airways, 9-12h). Morning departures from Dubai typically arrive same-day in Zanzibar, making logistics easier.
How much does it cost to fly from Dubai to Zanzibar?
Direct flights from Dubai to Zanzibar start at around €350-400 for roundtrip with Flydubai. Connecting flights can be found as low as €300-350 with Ethiopian Airlines or Kenya Airways, though these require a stop in Addis Ababa or Nairobi respectively. During peak season (December-February and July-August), expect to pay €450-550 for economy class. The cheapest period runs from April through May and November, with fares often dropping to €280-330 for well-timed bookings. Business class on this route typically costs €1,200-2,000 depending on airline and season.
Are there direct flights from Dubai to Zanzibar?
Yes, direct flights from Dubai to Zanzibar are available but are limited and seasonal. Flydubai operates direct services on this route, typically running 3-4 times per week with seasonal adjustments. Emirates also offers direct flights during peak travel periods, though these are less frequent. For most travelers, connecting flights via East African hubs are more readily available year-round. If your travel dates align with direct service, the 5h 30m non-stop is significantly more convenient than the 8-12 hour journeys required with connections.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Dubai to Zanzibar?
The cheapest months to fly from Dubai to Zanzibar are April and May, coinciding with Tanzania’s long rainy season, and November before the short rains begin. During these periods, roundtrip fares drop to €280-350, representing savings of €150-200 compared to peak season. May specifically offers the lowest average prices at around €310. Avoid December, when prices peak at €500+ due to European Christmas holiday demand. The week after Easter also sees elevated prices. For budget travelers, combining the shoulder season with midweek departures can yield fares under €300.
Which airlines fly from Dubai to Zanzibar?
Several airlines serve this route with varying price points and experiences. Flydubai offers direct flights starting at €350 with reasonable baggage (20kg checked). Kenya Airways connects via Nairobi from €400 with excellent 46kg total baggage allowance. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is typically the cheapest connecting option at €320-380. Qatar Airways via Doha offers the most premium experience at €450-500. Emirates seasonal direct flights cost €500-600 but include 30kg baggage. All major carriers operate daily or near-daily services, giving travelers good flexibility in scheduling.
What airport do I fly into in Zanzibar?
You will arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), located approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic center. The airport is relatively small but modernized, handling over 500,000 passengers annually. Taxis to Stone Town cost TZS 15,000-25,000 (approximately €5-8) and take 10-15 minutes. Shared taxis (dala-dalas) to Stone Town cost around TZS 2,000-3,000 (under €1) but wait until full. Pre-booked airport transfers through hotels typically cost €10-15. Currency exchange is available at the airport, though rates are better in Stone Town.
How far in advance should I book Dubai to Zanzibar flights?
For Dubai to Zanzibar flights, book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best balance of availability and price. Airlines typically release their cheapest fares 8-12 weeks before departure, and these fill quickly on this popular beach route. During peak season (December-February), book 10-12 weeks ahead as direct flight options are limited. For shoulder seasons, 4-6 weeks can still secure good deals, particularly with connecting carriers who release seats closer to departure. Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) rarely offer savings on this route and may cost €100+ more than advance bookings.
Is it cheaper to fly from Dubai to Zanzibar on weekdays?
Yes, flying midweek from Dubai to Zanzibar is significantly cheaper than weekend travel. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-70 cheaper than Friday or Saturday flights. Sunday is generally the most expensive day to fly on this route. The difference is most pronounced during shoulder and low seasons when airlines discount off-peak days to fill planes. If your schedule is flexible, shifting a Friday departure to Wednesday or Thursday can save substantial money. The cheapest booking pattern is midweek departure with a midweek return, potentially saving €80-120 total compared to full weekend travel.
Data updated: 2026-03
