Etihad Returns to Zanzibar – Doubles Down On Summer Sun
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Etihad Airways is bringing back seasonal nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) for summer 2026. From 14 June to 6 September 2026, the carrier will operate four weekly services — Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun — using an Airbus A320 with Business and Economy cabins.
Schedule (from 14 June 2026):
EY791 AUH 09:10 → ZNZ 13:50 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)
EY792 ZNZ 17:50 → AUH 00:30+1 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)
This marks Etihad’s 30th destination announced this year, a clear signal the airline is leaning into leisure demand with targeted, high-season flying.
Why Zanzibar — and why now
Zanzibar’s mix of UNESCO-listed Stone Town, storied spice plantations, world-class diving and reefs, and a shoreline of palm-fringed beaches makes it a slam-dunk summer escape for travelers from the GCC and Europe. Etihad says its expanded European bank structure (multiple double-dailies feeding AUH) now delivers cleaner connections in both directions, making ZNZ more accessible than in past seasons.
The timing also complements classic East Africa “twin-center” trips: pair a few days on the island with safaris in the Serengeti or treks around Kilimanjaro via short regional hops.
The ride: A320, summer-tuned
Expect Etihad’s refreshed narrow-body experience on the A320: a compact Business cabin for couples and honeymooners, and Economy tuned for medium-haul comfort. The afternoon return out of ZNZ (17:50) lines up well for overnight AUH arrivals that feed early-morning long-haul departures across Asia and Australia.
Palma de Mallorca joins the party
Alongside Zanzibar, Etihad will also debut nonstop AUH–Palma de Mallorca (PMI) for summer 2026, operating 3x weekly from 12 June to mid-September on the A321LR — the first nonstop link between the Middle East and Mallorca. Think of it as a Mediterranean mirror to Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean appeal: beaches and calas, the Tramuntana for cyclists and hikers, and Palma’s historic old town and nightlife — now a single hop from Abu Dhabi.
Who benefits most
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GCC & Levant: Fast, nonstop access to ZNZ and PMI with easy AUH connections.
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Europe: Double-daily European feeders into AUH unlock simple one-stops to Zanzibar.
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India & broader Asia: Banked arrivals into AUH should create same-day links to both islands.
Booking tips
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Peak weeks fill fast: Lock in July–August dates early for both ZNZ and PMI.
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Midweek can be cheaper: If flexible, avoid weekend spikes.
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Twin-center play: For Zanzibar, consider tagging on Tanzania mainland safaris; for Mallorca, island-hop to Ibiza or Menorca for the return.
Big picture
With Zanzibar back and Mallorca launching, Etihad’s summer 2026 map shows a clear strategy: seasonal, sun-forward routes that maximize narrow-body range (A320/A321LR), feed the AUH hub efficiently, and broaden the airline’s appeal beyond traditional business-heavy flows.
Bottom line
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Zanzibar (ZNZ): 4x weekly AUH–ZNZ 14 Jun–6 Sep 2026 on A320
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Palma de Mallorca (PMI): 3x weekly AUH–PMI 12 Jun–mid-Sep 2026 on A321LR
Two islands, two seas, one-stop via Abu Dhabi — and a summer schedule built for sun-soaked escapes.
