British Airways Announces New Tanzania Routes And Long-Haul Network Updates For Summer 2027

British Airways is making a major push into East Africa next year. The airline has officially unveiled its summer 2027 long-haul schedule, highlighted by the addition of two spectacular new destinations in Tanzania: Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Combined with significant capacity boosts across South America, the flag carrier is gearing up for a busy summer travel season.

A Triangular Route to Tanzania

Starting May 29, 2027, British Airways will offer UK travelers direct access to Tanzania's biggest tourism gateways. Operating three times a week from London Gatwick, the new seasonal service will run through October 31, 2027, perfectly timed to capture the peak safari season and UK school holidays.

The service will operate on a "triangle" routing—departing Gatwick, landing in Kilimanjaro, and then continuing onward to Zanzibar before returning to London. Here are the key details for the new East African operation:

• The Aircraft: Flights will be operated on a Boeing 777, featuring three cabins: Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and World Traveller (economy).
• Introductory Fares: Return fares start at £849, which includes taxes, fees, and a generous hand baggage allowance.
• The Experience: The single itinerary allows travelers to seamlessly link a Mount Kilimanjaro trek or Serengeti safari with the pristine, white-sand beaches of the Indian Ocean coast.

Broader Summer 2027 Network Updates

Beyond the new footprint in Tanzania, British Airways is significantly strengthening its wider long-haul network from the end of March 2027. Passengers traveling to the Americas and Africa will see much more availability and frequency.

• South America Expansion: The airline is increasing capacity to Latin America by 25 percent. This includes the introduction of non-stop flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with onward service to Santiago, Chile. The carrier is also increasing seat availability on its Rio de Janeiro flights.
• Year-Round Costa Rica: Flights to San José, Costa Rica, will be extended to a year-round operation rather than just a seasonal offering.
• More Flights to Popular Hubs: Additional frequencies will be added from London Heathrow to both Cape Town, South Africa, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Whether you are planning a bucket-list climb up Africa's highest peak or a vibrant escape to Buenos Aires, BA's latest network adjustments promise more choice and flexibility for the 2027 summer travel season.