British Airways to launch Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar flights for summer 2027
British Airways to launch Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar flights for summer 2027
London, UK - 17.09.2026 British Airways is to launch flights from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar next summer, significantly expanding its East African network and improving access to Tanzania’s safari and coastal destinations.
The new three-times-weekly seasonal service launches on 29 May 2027 from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro before continuing to Zanzibar til 31 October 2027, covering both the peak safari season, the UK school summer holidays and autumn half term.
The new route will give UK travellers easier access to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, as well as Mount Kilimanjaro.
Its onward connection to Zanzibar will also make it easier for tour operators to combine safari and beach itineraries within Tanzania, as well as develop wider East African programmes incorporating neighbouring Kenya.
Virginia Messina, Group CEO of the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®), said:
“The African Travel and Tourism Association is delighted to see British Airways launching a new service connecting London with the key destinations of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar next summer.
“This marks a real step change in connectivity to Tanzania, building on recent announcements from Air Tanzania, Brussels Airlines and KLM that are opening up these incredible destinations to European source markets.
“For our UK-based tour operator and travel agent members, greater connectivity provides more choice for their customers and creates exciting opportunities to develop new itineraries across Tanzania and neighbouring Kenya.
“It is particularly significant for families and other travellers who want to combine wildlife and coast. Making it easier to reach the Northern Safari Circuit and then travel onwards to Zanzibar removes some of the complexity from an East African holiday and gives the travel trade much greater flexibility in how they package and sell the region.
“It is also worth noting that Zanzibar has evolved to be a premium leisure destination that can stands independently from a safari. Traditionally it has been a draw for couples but also now for attracts families too.
Also, it is slowly turning into a wellness destination so this route will facilitate travellers from the UK and Europe wishing for a wellness retreat.
“Improved air connectivity is fundamental to unlocking Africa’s tourism potential, so it is hugely encouraging to see airlines investing in greater access to destinations across the continent.”
British Airways said return fares on the new Tanzania service will start from £849, including taxes and fees.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “We're excited to be launching flights to two exceptional new destinations that showcase the very best of Tanzania. From the vast plains of the Serengeti and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, these new routes strengthen our footprint in East Africa and open the door to some of the world's most extraordinary travel experiences.”
British Airways is also increasing its summer services to South Africa in 2027. Flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town will rise from seven to 10 a week as part of the airline’s wider expansion of its long-haul network.
The additional capacity further strengthens connections between the UK and some of Africa’s leading tourism destinations ahead of the 2027 summer season.
Source: Travel Weekly
