Abeid Amani Karume International Airport welcomes travellers flying from Zanzibar with Qatar Airways, and provides an excellent starting point for any journey from Tanzania. Located just five kilometres from Zanzibar’s city centre, the airport is relatively modern and - despite its small size - extremely efficient and welcoming. Staff go out of their way to ensure customers have a smooth and trouble-free start to their travels, and the construction of a new terminal has considerably improved facilities at this friendly airport. 

As the custodian of Spain’s rich and varied heritage, Madrid is the ideal location for a cultural crawl. Fly to Madrid and immerse yourself in the Spanish capital’s art, architecture, music, and most importantly, cuisine.

You can’t beat Madrid for green open spaces either, and the affordable and clean Metro system will get you to anywhere you need to be in next to no time. In this city, you can enjoy some of Europe’s most impressive museums, galleries, parks and royal palaces.

Book a flight ticket to Madrid with Qatar Airways and immerse yourself in a trove of Spanish cultural treasures.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport welcomes travellers flying from Zanzibar with Qatar Airways, and provides an excellent starting point for any journey from Tanzania. Located just five kilometres from Zanzibar’s city centre, the airport is relatively modern and - despite its small size - extremely efficient and welcoming. Staff go out of their way to ensure customers have a smooth and trouble-free start to their travels, and the construction of a new terminal has considerably improved facilities at this friendly airport. 

Transportation and parking

Transport to and from the airport is best done by a pre-booked taxi, which your hotel concierge should be able to arrange for you. Buses do run between the city centre and the airport, but they can be very crowded and inconvenient for customers travelling with large amounts of luggage. Parking is limited at the airport and spaces can fill up very quickly, so it is advisable to leave your vehicle at an alternative location and take a taxi to the airport. The taxi rank is located outside the main passenger terminal.

At the airport

Customers flying from Zanzibar with Qatar Airways depart from the main Departures hall in Terminal 2. While check-in times are relatively quick due to the compact nature of the airport, security checks can take considerably longer and are very strict, so allow between one to two hours to check-in and clear security before your flight is due to depart.

Facilities and amenities

Although the new terminal has improved facilities, they are still somewhat limited. A private lounge area is available for First and Business class customers, while the general lounge area in the Departures hall is spacious and well laid out, with good toilet facilities and a baby changing area. Food vendors and vending machines offer a limited selection of on-the-go snacks and drinks. Some retail outlets are available, selling accessories and Duty Free products. Wi-Fi is available in some areas for a fee.

The Spanish capital is best known for being a major centre of European culture, art, music and dance. It’s also a hugely energetic city full of vibrancy and welcomes business travellers and entrepreneurs as well as tourists.

Book a flight to Madrid with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover a wealth of cultural attractions including some of the finest museums in the country, and art collections of international importance. This city really comes alive in the evening, and has a strong café culture that runs late into the night.

Tourist attractions

At the very heart of the city is Puerta del Sol, a piazza that is the hub of all Madrid’s transport and the venue for the many festivals that bring this city alive all year round. In the centre of the square is the statue of King Charles III on horseback, and the surrounding buildings are superb examples of a range of architecture drawing on Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic influences.

The Palacio Real or Royal Palace is huge, and although it is the official residence of the King of Spain, it is only really used for ceremonial duties. A tour of the palace will take you through hundreds of years of Spanish history in a series of galleries, exhibits and collections of armour, jewellery and ceramics. Be prepared for a long day’s sightseeing, but the effort is certainly worth it and gives you a greater understanding of Spanish culture.

The ‘Museum Triangle’ is Madrid’s museum district, and home to some of the most important galleries and museums in Europe, including Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center, and the Naval Museum. Other museums around the city that are well worth a visit include the American Museum (Museo de América), the Museo de Historia de Madrid and the National Archaeology Museum.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Madrid with Qatar Airways land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of the largest airports in Europe. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Madrid please check the visa and passport requirements.