Zanzibar finally has a world class shopping and duty-free zone at the airport.

It’s shiny, luxurious and modern but still has a distinct Zanzibari twist: 13 retailers and two lounges are now open for business at Zanzibar’s new Terminal 3 at the Abeid Amani Karume International airport (AAKIA). The whole departure zone leaves an impression of international standards. A new duty-free store holds a variety of perfumes and cosmetics at competetive prices.

Homegrown boutiques like Frasiafrica and Elias offer classy last-minute souvenirs like designer fashion and jewellery. There is Africa Art Deco and Javed Jafferji’s new Recycle shop. The new terminal was finally officially opened by Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi at the end of January.

The island had 1,8 million arrivals in 2022, he said. 39 million meals, three million tons of cargo and 500.000 aircrafts were handled in 2022, and 500 jobs created. The airport completion was delayed for eight years. Just opened, it seems already too small: The president announced plans to build a fourth terminal.