I'm watching one of Africa's most iconic tourism gateways get a major boost, as British Airways confirms it will resume flights to Tanzania after a 13-year absence.

The UK's flag carrier announced on Thursday that it will launch a new route connecting London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania's premier tourist destination, before continuing on to Zanzibar. According to the airline, flights will operate three times a week once the route begins.

The new service is scheduled to commence in late May 2027, marking the first time British Airways has flown to the East African nation since it ended its Dar es Salaam-London route 13 years ago.

The airline also said it is boosting frequency on its London-Cape Town route, with additional flights set to begin next March.

For me, this development signals more than just an airline schedule change — it's a vote of confidence in Tanzania's tourism appeal. Kilimanjaro International Airport serves as the gateway to one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife circuits, including the Serengeti National Park, where travellers can witness the Great Migration, widely regarded as one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth.

From there, the route continues to Zanzibar, an island renowned for its white sandy beaches, vibrant marine life, and deep-rooted history and cultural heritage.

As I see it, the return of a major European carrier to Tanzania after over a decade away could reinvigorate long-haul visitor traffic to the region, reconnecting British and European travellers directly with some of Africa's most sought-after destinations ahead of the route's launch in 2027.

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