SINGAPORE, 21 September 2026: British Airways is expanding its network with two new destinations in Tanzania: Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
Launching in May 2027, flights will operate three times a week from London Gatwick, landing in Kilimanjaro before continuing to Zanzibar. The new routes commence on 29 May and will run through the summer season until 31 October. Fares start from UKP849 return, including taxes and fees.
In addition to these two new destinations in Tanzania, British Airways has announced a 25% increase in capacity to Latin America with the introduction of direct flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina and onward service to Santiago, Chile. Seats will increase on the route to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and flights to San José, Costa Rica will become year-round.
Customers will also benefit from additional flights on popular routes to Cape Town, South Africa and Las Vegas, US. This enhanced summer schedule takes off in 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 world’s greatest natural sights, the Great Migration; UNESCO World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five; 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 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.
British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Neil Chernoff said: “Alongside these new routes, we are strengthening our wider long-haul network, adding capacity to several popular destinations across Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean. By increasing frequencies and extending seasonal services, giving customers more choice and flexibility, while deepening London’s connectivity to key destinations around the world.”
Summer 2027 changes
Buenos Aires, Argentina will move to a daily direct service, with an onward tag to Santiago, Chile. Customers will benefit from the only non-stop flights between London and Buenos Aires, plus the convenience of daily services to Santiago, providing more choice and flexibility across South America.
Seat capacity to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will increase 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 from seven to 10 flights per week.
London Heathrow to Las Vegas increases from 13 to 14 flights 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, four times a 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.
Flights will operate on a triangle routing and be flown by a B777 aircraft, offering a choice of three cabins – Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).
(Source: British Airways)
