About flights from Pemba (PMA)
Pemba Airport is about as no-frills as it gets. One terminal, one route, and a sense that the rest of the world hasn't quite caught up to this island yet. That's not a complaint — it's actually part of the appeal. Flying in or out of PMA feels like passing through a side door that most tourists miss entirely. Pemba Island sits north of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, and the airport quietly serves as the island's only real hub to the wider world.
Quick stats for PMA
- Direct destinations: 1
- Countries served: 1
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 125 km
- Longest non-stop: Zanzibar (ZNZ) — 125 km (~9 min)
- Shortest non-stop: Zanzibar (ZNZ) — 125 km (~9 min)
- Reach score: 21/99
Why fly to Pemba?
There's exactly one commercial route out of PMA, and it runs to Zanzibar — just 125 kilometers away. Short hop, big difference. That connection matters more than it sounds. Zanzibar is one of East Africa's main transit hubs, which means getting yourself to ZNZ opens up onward connections across Tanzania and beyond. Pemba itself draws divers, researchers, and travelers specifically looking to avoid the more tourist-heavy path. Ngezi Forest, some of the least-dived reefs in the Indian Ocean, and a slower pace of life than its famous neighbor — these are the reasons people bother making this trip. Airlines like Coastal Aviation and Auric Air operate in this region, keeping the island connected even if the schedule requires flexibility.
Longest non-stop flights from PMA
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Pemba:
- Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania (ZNZ) — 125 km, approximately 9 min
Tips for travelers at PMA
The airport sits close to Chake Chake, the island's main town, so getting there by taxi or daladala is straightforward and cheap. Book your flight to Zanzibar early — seats are limited and the planes are small, so last-minute availability disappears fast. There's no real lounge or duty-free, so don't expect much beyond the basics. The rainy seasons (March through May, and November) can occasionally disrupt small aircraft schedules, so build buffer time into any connection at ZNZ if you're catching an onward flight.
Airlines operating from PMA
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Pemba:
CQ, TC, UI, W2
Frequently asked questions about flying to Pemba
How do I get from Pemba Airport to the city center?
You can take a taxi from the airport, which is about 10km from town and typically costs 20,000-30,000 TZS ($8-12 USD). Some hotels also offer airport shuttle services, so it's worth asking when you book your accommodation.
What's the best time to fly to Pemba?
The dry seasons from June to October and January to February offer the best weather and visibility for flights. Avoid the rainy seasons from March to May and November to December when flights may experience delays.
How many destinations can I reach with a direct flight from Pemba?
Pemba Airport has 1 direct destination, so you'll likely need to connect through Dar es Salaam or another hub to reach most international or domestic destinations.
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania through Pemba?
Most visitors need a visa for Tanzania, which you can obtain on arrival or in advance depending on your nationality. It's best to check with the Tanzanian embassy or your airline beforehand to confirm requirements for your specific country.
What should I know about Pemba Airport itself?
Pemba Airport is a small, relatively basic facility, so arrive early and don't expect extensive amenities like you'd find at larger hubs. The airport can get busy during peak travel times, so give yourself extra time for check-in and security.
How much should I budget for flights to Pemba?
Domestic flights from Dar es Salaam to Pemba typically range from $60-150 USD depending on the airline and how far in advance you book. International flights will be more expensive and usually require at least one connection.
Plan your trip from Pemba
Browse the complete list of 1 destinations below to find your next flight from Pemba. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.