One country, two extraordinary escapes: British Airways announces new Tanzania routes and network update for summer 2027
- UK flag carrier to launch flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar from Summer 2027
- Buenos Aires becomes a non-stop service as part of a 25 per cent capacity boost to Latin America network*
British Airways is expanding its network with the addition of two new destinations in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Launching in May 2027, these two new routes will offer customers easy access to explore this fascinating East African country, home to bucket list travel experiences including the Great Migration, Africa’s highest mountain, pristine beaches and world-class diving.
Flights will operate three times a week from London Gatwick, landing in Kilimanjaro, before going on to Zanzibar. The new routes commence on 29 May and will run through the summer season until 31 October, conveniently timed for UK school holidays and the peak safari season. Flight prices start from £849 return, including taxes and fees and a generous hand baggage allowance.
In addition to these two new destinations in Tanzania, British Airways has announced a 25 per cent increase in capacity to Latin America with the introduction of non-stop flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina and 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 operation. Customers will also benefit from additional flights on popular routes to Cape Town, South Africa and Las Vegas, United States. This enhanced summer schedule will be introduced from the end of March 2027.
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Airport is the gateway to Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit, one of Africa’s most famed wildlife routes. It includes the Serengeti Wildlife Park, where visitors can witness one of the greatest natural sights in the world, the Great Migration; UNESCO World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big 5; Tarangire National Park, best known for its huge elephant herds; and Lake Manyara National Park.
Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, this is also the gateway for travellers embarking on climbs of Africa’s highest peak, a natural wonder spanning five distinct climate zones, from lush rainforest and alpine desert to its famous snow-capped summit.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is famous for its white sandy beaches, exquisite marine life and rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town, discover the islands’ famous spice plantations, dive or snorkel among colourful coral reefs, and unwind in beachfront resorts overlooking the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. With its relaxed pace of life, the ‘Spice Island’ offers the ideal setting to recharge and reset.
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.
“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. 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.”
Additional Changes for Summer 2027:
- Buenos Aires, Argentina will move to a daily non-stop service, with an onward tag to Santiago, Chile. Customers will benefit from the only non-stop flights between London and Buenos Aires, as well as the convenience of daily services to Santiago, providing more choice and flexibility across South America.
- There will be an increase in seat capacity to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the daily service moves to a dedicated route, without onward tags.
- London Heathrow to San José, Costa Rica, becomes a year-round service, at three per week.
- London Heathrow to Cape Town, South Africa increases its summer frequency, up from seven per week to 10 per week.
- London Heathrow to Las Vegas increases from 13 per week, to 14 per week.
- London Gatwick to Barbados, which launches this October, will continue for the summer 2027 season, including onward tags to Grenada, Guyana and Tobago. London Gatwick to St Lucia continues to operate as a direct service, at four per week for summer 2027.
British Airways has also recently announced two new long-haul destinations which are launching soon. London Gatwick to Colombo, Sri Lanka, will commence on 23 October, and flights from London Heathrow to Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur will begin on 9 January.
*25 per cent capacity increase is based on ASK (Available Seat Kilometers) comparing Summer 26 with Summer 27 schedule
New Route
| Sector | Day | Flight no | Departure time (local) | Arrival time (local) |
| LGW-JRO | Mon / Thu / Sat | BA2163 | 09:05 | 20:20 |
| JRO-ZNZ | Mon / Thu / Sat | BA2163 | 21:20 | 22:25 |
| ZNZ-LGW | Tue / Fri / Sun | BA2163 | 00:25 | 07:55 |
The flight will operate on a triangle routing and be flown by a 777 aircraft, offering a choice of three cabins – Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).
The route will operate from 29 May to 31 October 2027.
British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 5* LUX* Marijani, from £1499pp (includes $35pp Government tax payable locally), travelling on selected dates between 1 June – 30 June 2027 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, one checked bag at 23kg per person and accommodation with breakfast. Book by 25 September 2026.
For reservations visit www.britishairways.com/
Route updates for Summer 2027 season
| Sector | Start date | Flight no | Frequency | Notes |
| LHR-EZE-SCL | 28-Mar | BA245/4
|
Daily | Buenos Aires becomes a non-stop service, with onward tag to Santiago |
| LHR-GIG | 28-Mar | BA249/8 | Daily | Previous onward tag to Buenos Aires removed, meaning more dedicated capacity to Rio de Janeiro |
| LHR-SJO | 28-Mar | BA233/2 | Three per week | Route will now operate year-round, previously winter only |
| LHR-CPT | 28-Mar | BA43/2 | 10 per week | Summer service increased from daily to 10 per week |
| LHR-LAS | 28-Mar | BA271/0 | 14 per week | Summer service increased from 13 pw to 14 per week |
| LGW-BGI (with tags to GND/ GEO/TAB) | 28-Mar | BA2153/2 | Daily | Route to operate year-round, previously winter only |
| LGW-UVF | 28-Mar | BA2159/8 | Four per week | Now a dedicated service, previous tags now operating via Barbados |