Pemba Airport expansion begins with Sh516 billion boost

The Zanzibar government has officially launched a Sh516.73 billion expansion of Pemba Airport, aiming to boost direct air connectivity to the island and support economic growth.

Deputy Minister for Works, Communications and Transport, Nadir Abdulatif, told Parliament on Tuesday that construction began in November 2024.

“The contractor is currently setting up a base to prepare for the arrival of construction material," he said.

The expansion will allow large aircraft to land directly on Pemba Island, eliminating the need for travellers to first stop in Unguja before taking smaller aircraft or boats.

The project is being implemented by Brazil-based Propav Infrastructures, following a contract signing on January 4, 2023, at Zanzibar State House in the presence of President Hussein Mwinyi. Engineering firm Dar al Handasah Consultants is supporting the project.

Key upgrades include a longer runway, a new passenger terminal, and facilities for handling Code C aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800.

The €170 million project, equivalent to Sh516.73 billion, is being funded through a loan from UK Export Finance.

Progress had stalled after disputes between Propav and its local partner, Mecco. Legal action led to a High Court suspension of works in January 2024.

However, the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement on April 18, 2024, allowing Propav to proceed alone.

Pemba Airport, originally built to handle 45,000 passengers a year, now serves over 110,000. It currently handles mainly domestic flights, including services by As Salaam Air and Coastal Aviation to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha.

Once completed, the upgraded airport will be able to serve up to 750,000 passengers annually.