Let me give you a brief overview of what it’s like at Zanzibar Airport. Specifically, I’ll focus on Terminal 2, the older terminal we encountered during our travels.
Initially, we assumed that Terminal 2 was designated for domestic flights, but our flight to Kenya, an international destination, was departing from there. It seemed that Terminal 2 catered more to low-cost airlines. The aircraft we boarded with Precision Air was of a smaller size, but it did not diminish the overall experience. In fact, I found it comparable to the smaller planes operated by renowned airlines. However, the terminal itself differed significantly from the newer and more modern terminal we arrived at in Zanzibar.
Arriving at the airport two hours ahead of schedule, we joined a short queue to check in our luggage. Unfortunately, the system was experiencing issues, resulting in a prolonged wait. The heat made the wait even more uncomfortable, leaving us feeling sweaty and overheated. Finally, when it was our turn, we discovered the need to fill in forms for entry into Kenya before checking in our luggage. Keep this in mind if you’re traveling to Kenya. Passport control was efficient, and we soon found ourselves in a small, crowded area where all the gates were located. The space was limited and offered minimal activities or amenities. There was a tiny stall where a variety of spices and oils were being sold, a souvenir shop, a store selling coffee, a small café that permitted smoking, and stepping out of it meant leaving with the lingering scent of an ashtray, and a snack stall. However, the options were limited, and I would recommend eating beforehand or bringing your own food. Additionally, there was a paid airport lounge on the upper level, but we didn’t avail ourselves of it. Despite the apparent choices, everything felt compact and uninviting. While I had previously expressed dissatisfaction with some domestic airports in the Philippines, Terminal 2 in Zanzibar proved to be even more underwhelming. On a positive note, the bathroom facilities were satisfactory.
We passed the time sitting on uncomfortable airport chairs, eagerly awaiting our plane, which seemed to take an eternity. Adding to our frustration, our flight was noticeably absent from the monitors, giving the impression that it wasn’t scheduled for departure at all. This unexpected absence caused anxiety and led us to question whether we were in the correct terminal for our flight to Kenya. The lack of information was disconcerting. Despite repeatedly inquiring about the flight’s status, I was repeatedly reassured that there was no cause for concern and that the plane would arrive as scheduled. However, no one took the initiative to confirm the status. In a rather casual manner, the airport staff responded to our inquiry about the missing flight on the monitors by simply stating, “Oh, they must have forgotten to put it there,” as if such an omission was considered a regular occurrence. Finally, after more than an hour had passed since the intended departure time, I pressed the issue again, highlighting the delay. The staff appeared surprised and assured me that they would make a phone call, but it never transpired. Thankfully, the plane eventually arrived (we caught sight of it through the window), alleviating our worries.
Overall, be prepared for unexpected surprises at Terminal 2, although two hours proved to be more than sufficient time considering the limited amenities. On a positive note, Wi-Fi was available. It’s worth mentioning that Terminal Three, where we initially landed in Zanzibar, offered a significantly better experience with its newer and more modern facilities. It seemed like a stroke of bad luck that our flight departed from Terminal 2 specifically.
Anyah Mroz 