British Airways Returns to Tanzania After 15 Years With Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar

British Airways will return to Tanzania in summer 2027, launching direct services from London Gatwick to both Kilimanjaro International Airport and Zanzibar. The announcement marks the carrier's first scheduled operations in the East African country in 15 years, restoring a route network the airline withdrew from in 2012.

The new service gives you two distinct gateways into one country. Kilimanjaro serves as the launching point for safari itineraries across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro itself. Zanzibar delivers travelers directly to the Indian Ocean archipelago known for its beaches, spice plantations, and the UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

Route Details and Schedule

British Airways will operate the Kilimanjaro route three times per week, with the service continuing on to Zanzibar before returning to London. The airline confirmed the flights will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering First, Club World business class, World Traveller Plus premium economy, and World Traveller economy cabins.

Bookings opened following the September 17, 2026 announcement, with flights scheduled to commence in the summer 2027 season.

What British Airways Is Saying

Neil Chernoff, British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the new service reflects growing demand for African destinations from UK travelers.

"We're delighted to be returning to Tanzania and offering our customers even more choice when it comes to their holidays. Tanzania is a destination that has it all, from world-famous safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, and we can't wait to welcome customers on board," Chernoff said.

The airline framed the launch as part of a broader network expansion for summer 2027, describing Tanzania as "one country, two extraordinary escapes."

Tanzania's Tourism Response

The return of British Airways represents a significant development for Tanzania's tourism sector, which has worked to rebuild international arrivals following pandemic-era disruptions. The United Kingdom remains a key source market for both safari operators on the mainland and beach resorts in Zanzibar.

Direct connectivity from London has historically been limited since British Airways withdrew from the market. Travelers have relied on connecting services through Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi, adding hours to journey times. The reinstated direct link cuts travel complexity for those combining safari and beach itineraries in a single trip.

Planning Your Trip

If you're considering the route, timing matters. The dry season in northern Tanzania runs from June to October, coinciding with the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti. Zanzibar's peak weather windows fall between June and October and again from December to February.

Kilimanjaro International Airport sits roughly 46 kilometers from Arusha, the main safari staging town, and serves as the closest international gateway to the northern circuit parks. Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is a short drive from Stone Town and the main resort strips along the east and northeast coasts.

British Airways executive club members will earn Tier Points and Avios on the new routes, and the airline confirmed the flights will be bookable using Avios redemptions from launch. Fares across all four cabins are available through the airline's website and travel agents.

Competitive Landscape

British Airways enters a route already served by carriers including KLM, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines, though none currently operates direct flights between London and Tanzania. The direct proposition is expected to appeal particularly to leisure travelers reluctant to add connection time to already lengthy journeys.

For premium travelers, the availability of First class on the Dreamliner service positions British Airways at the top end of the market. Business class and premium economy availability adds further options for those upgrading from economy on connecting itineraries.

The return of British Airways to Tanzania closes a gap that has existed in the UK-East Africa market for more than a decade. For travelers planning safari and beach holidays in 2027 and beyond, the new service offers a direct alternative to routings that have long required a stop in the Gulf or elsewhere in Africa.