British Airways Will Launch New Tanzania Flights
The airline will begin service from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar in late May 2027.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Africa
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British Airways announced plans to operate three weekly flights between London Gatwick and Tanzania beginning in late May 2027. The service will stop at Kilimanjaro International Airport before continuing to Zanzibar.
Why it matters
These new routes mark the carrier's return to Tanzania after a 13-year absence. The expansion is expected to strengthen travel access between the United Kingdom and East Africa.
British Airways will operate three flights weekly on its new route from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro International Airport and Zanzibar. This expansion follows a 13-year hiatus from the Tanzanian market.
The players
British Airways
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom and a major international aviation brand.
The details
The airline will provide service to two Tanzanian destinations as part of its network growth. Additionally, the company will increase its flight frequency between London and Cape Town starting in March 2027.
Timeline
March 2027: British Airways will increase flights between London and Cape Town.
Late May 2027: New flight service begins from London to Tanzania.
Travel Outlook
The new route schedule reflects the ongoing expansion of long-haul networks across the African continent. This development follows the broader post-pandemic trend of airlines prioritizing high-growth tourism markets to balance international capacity.
Travelers looking to visit Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar should monitor the airline's website for future booking windows as the May 2027 launch date approaches. The increased connectivity will provide new options for direct access to East African tourism hubs from London Gatwick.
The takeaway
The return of British Airways to Tanzania signifies a strategic effort to capture the growing interest in East African tourism. Travelers can expect more competitive options for reaching regional landmarks once the route schedule commences in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more developments in the region on our Africa travel page.
Live Poll
Does the addition of new direct flight routes make you more likely to travel internationally?
