Why Air France is suspending flights to Zanzibar again

Wednesday 11 February 2026 - 16:00

By: Sahili Aya

Why Air France is suspending flights to Zanzibar again

Air France has announced a new temporary suspension of its direct route between Paris and Zanzibar, set to take effect from March 23 to May 31, 2026. The decision marks the second consecutive year the airline has paused the service during the spring period.

Launched in October 2021, the Paris–Zanzibar connection quickly became popular among French travelers drawn to Tanzania’s safaris and white-sand beaches. With a flight time of roughly nine hours, the route positioned the Indian Ocean archipelago as a leading long-haul leisure destination in tour operators’ catalogs.

However, the airline cites seasonal demand adjustments and a challenging context for tourism. Visitor numbers have reportedly slowed following political tensions and anti-government protests in late 2025. French authorities have also warned of potential demonstrations that may be difficult to predict, contributing to a climate of caution among travelers and operators alike.

Adjusted capacity and flight schedule

Beyond the temporary suspension, Air France plans to modify aircraft capacity and flight frequency throughout 2026. The Airbus A350-900 currently serving the route will be replaced by a Boeing 777-200, before the A350 returns for the winter 2026–2027 season.

Flight frequencies will fluctuate depending on seasonal demand. After operating three weekly rotations, the service will be reduced to two flights per week from mid-June, increased to five weekly flights during the summer peak, then scaled back to three in early autumn. Four weekly flights are expected during the winter season.

The airline will also reorganize its triangular route linking Paris, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro. Starting in June 2026, the order will change to Paris–Kilimanjaro–Zanzibar–Paris. This adjustment reflects the typical travel pattern of French tourists, who often begin with a mainland safari before ending their stay on Zanzibar’s beaches.

Alternative travel options

During the suspension period, travelers will need to rely on connecting flights via major international hubs such as Amsterdam, Doha or Istanbul. Other options include flying to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam before taking a regional connection to Zanzibar. These alternatives extend total travel time to approximately 14 to 18 hours, depending on layovers.

A destination under pressure

The suspension adds to the challenges facing Tanzania’s tourism sector. The introduction of an airport levy of around €42 per passenger per international leg has increased travel costs. In addition, Tanzanian airlines remain on the European Union’s air safety blacklist, preventing them from operating flights to Europe and limiting direct connectivity.

Together, these factors have complicated access to the destination, placing additional pressure on a tourism-dependent economy seeking to regain stability.