How long is the flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar?

The direct flight from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Which airlines fly Nairobi to Zanzibar?

Kenya Airways is the dominant carrier on this route, operating multiple weekly frequencies. Precision Air and Auric Air also connect the two cities, sometimes via Dar es Salaam.

Aerial view of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar with turquoise water, white sand, catamarans and a palm-lined shore.

Flights

Nairobi to Zanzibar Flights

Fly from Nairobi (NBO) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) in about 1h15. Kenya Airways operates the most frequent service via JKIA.

The Nairobi–Zanzibar Connection

Nairobi is the most convenient and frequently served gateway into Zanzibar from East Africa. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) sits about 800 km northwest of Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), translating to a flight time of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes — short enough that seasoned travellers often schedule morning departures and arrive in time for a beach lunch.

Airlines and Frequencies

Kenya Airways (KQ) anchors this route with the most consistent schedule, typically operating several weekly departures. The airline flies modern narrow-body jets and code-shares with partners including KLM, making it easy to bolt this leg onto a longer international itinerary. Precision Air, Tanzania's largest regional carrier, also serves the Nairobi–Zanzibar pairing, occasionally routing through Dar es Salaam (DAR). For charter travellers or smaller groups, Auric Air and Coastal Aviation offer flexible regional options.

Nairobi is also Zanzibar's primary international connection hub: passengers arriving into NBO from Europe, North America, or Asia on Kenya Airways, British Airways, or Gulf carriers can connect onward to ZNZ the same day.

Planning Your Journey

Book early if your travel dates fall over the Christmas or Easter peak seasons — the Nairobi–Zanzibar route fills quickly since it attracts both safari-goers extending their Kenya trip and beach visitors doing a standalone Indian Ocean escape. Domestic-style baggage rules sometimes apply on smaller regional codeshares, so check allowances carefully.

At Zanzibar Airport

Zanzibar's airport is compact and processes arrivals efficiently. Visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities for a fee payable in cash (USD widely accepted). Taxis and pre-booked transfers meet arrivals in the main hall. The drive to Stone Town takes around 15 minutes; north-coast resorts are 45–60 minutes away.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar?: The direct flight from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Which airlines fly Nairobi to Zanzibar?: Kenya Airways is the dominant carrier on this route, operating multiple weekly frequencies. Precision Air and Auric Air also connect the two cities, sometimes via Dar es Salaam.