AviaDev is brought to you by The Bench Subscribe to our Newsletter
Our other events:FHS WorldFHS Saudi ArabiaFHS Africa (AHIF)BRF AsiaBRFSAHIC

11-13 June 2025
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, Zanzibar Tanzania

Register NowAccess Meetings
  • Home
  • 2025 Agenda
  • Speakers
  • Advisory Board
  • Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
  • Sponsors and Partners
  • Airlines
  • Media
  • Meeting System
  • Event Information
  • Tour Packages
  • Extended Stay
  • Content Library

Register Now

Access Meetings

Related events

Tourism & Aviation Connectivity Forum

Our Other Events

FHS World

FHS Saudi Arabia

FHS Africa (AHIF)

BRF Asia

BRF

SAHIC

Content library

Press room

PRESS RELEASE: AviaDev Africa 2025 to be Co-Hosted by Zanzibar Airports Authority and Zanzibar Commission for Tourism

AviaDev Africa, the premier aviation development conference for Africa, is heading to Zanzibar in 2025. The prestigious event will be jointly hosted by the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) and the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), marking a significant milestone in the region's aviation industry.

AviaDev Africa, known for its role in driving air connectivity to, from and within the African continent, has been fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable growth in the aviation sector for the last 9 years. The event will unite 400 industry leaders on the spice island of Zanzibar.

With its enchanting landscapes, rich cultural heritage and thriving tourism industry, AviaDev will serve as a catalyst for advancing aviation connectivity, tourism development, and economic growth in the whole region, but with a particular focus on Zanzibar. The event attracts key stakeholders, including African and International airlines, airports, industry suppliers, government officials, investors, and industry experts. Over 3 days, a comprehensive programme will deliver insightful discussions, outreach activities, knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions, whilst also providing attendees with the opportunity to experience the charms of Zanzibar firsthand.

AviaDev is more than a conference. It is a deal making platform responsible for catalysing multiple route development decisions, delivering economic growth, and creating jobs across the value chain.

Over the last few years, AAKIA airport traffic have witnessed increased growth of 9.2% CAGR between 2019-2023. At the end of 2023 AAKIA airport traffic stood at 2.14 million. The traffic grew by 22% in 2023 compared to 2022. The airport connects to 30 destinations and has 26 operating airlines.

Zanzibar welcomed over 638,498 visitors in 2023 which is a 16.45 increase with last year, making tourism a fundamental pillar of the archipelago’s economy. The destination produces frequent seasonality making it almost all round of the year destination. This continued emphasis on the tourism sector as a driver of growth, provides an ideal backdrop for discussions on enhancing connectivity, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities.

"We are thrilled to announce Zanzibar as the host destination for AviaDev Africa 2025," said Jon Howell, CEO of AviaDev. "This partnership with ZAA and ZCT reflects our commitment to driving positive change and unlocking new opportunities in African aviation. In appointing the host, we were impressed with how the stakeholders in Zanzibar share a vision and are working in alignment to ensure they achieve a sustainable level of development and growth.”

"We are honoured to co-host AviaDev Africa 2025 alongside ZCT," said Seif Juma, Director General of ZAA. "This event presents a unique platform to showcase Zanzibar's aviation potential and strengthen collaboration across the industry. Together, we look forward to advancing aviation development in Zanzibar and across the African continent."

"We are excited to welcome delegates to Zanzibar for AviaDev Africa 2025," added Hafsa Mbamba, CEO of ZCT. "By co-hosting this respected event, we aim to highlight Zanzibar's position as a gateway to Africa and foster partnerships that drive sustainable growth and prosperity in the tourism sector."

AviaDev Africa 2025 continues to be the event to attend for enhancing route development to, from and within Africa.

Published: 21 June 2024

Share this article

Organisers
The Bench
Contact us
Jon and Mala

Jon Howell
CEO, AviaDev
M: +44 (0)7752 207064
Email: jon.howell@aviadev.com

Mala Patel
Event Director, AviaDev
M: +44 (0)7930 573621
Email: mala.patel@aviadev.com

Join the conversation

#AviaDev

KEEP ME UPDATED

© 2025 The Bench | Code of Conduct