British Airways is expanding its network in East Africa with the introduction of new flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar in Tanzania, with services scheduled to begin in May 2027.
The new routes will give travellers from the United Kingdom direct access to some of Tanzania’s major tourism attractions, including the Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro, beaches and diving destinations.
Flights will operate three times a week from London Gatwick, with aircraft landing in Kilimanjaro before continuing to Zanzibar. The services will begin on May 29 and operate through the summer season until October 31, coinciding with UK school holidays and the peak safari season.
Return fares will start at £849, including taxes and fees and a hand baggage allowance.
Kilimanjaro Airport will serve as a gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, which includes the Serengeti Wildlife Park, where visitors can experience the Great Migration; the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big 5; Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds; and Lake Manyara National Park.
The destination also provides access to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The mountain spans five distinct climate zones, including rainforest, alpine desert and its snow-capped summit.
The second new destination, Zanzibar, offers visitors white sandy beaches, marine life and a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Travellers will be able to explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town, visit spice plantations and take part in diving and snorkelling around coral reefs. The island also offers beachfront resorts along the Indian Ocean.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the new routes would expand the airline’s presence in East Africa.
“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,” Chernoff said.
The airline is also expanding its wider long-haul network, announcing a 25 per cent increase in capacity to Latin America.
The expansion includes non-stop flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with onward service to Santiago, Chile, increased seats to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the extension of flights to San José, Costa Rica, to a year-round service.
British Airways will also add flights on popular routes to Cape Town, South Africa, and Las Vegas in the United States.
The enhanced summer schedule is scheduled to begin from the end of March 2027.
“Alongside these new routes, we are strengthening our wider long-haul network, adding capacity to a number of popular destinations across Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean,” Chernoff said.
“By increasing frequencies and extending seasonal services, we’re giving customers more choice and flexibility, while deepening London’s connectivity to key destinations around the world,” he added.