This bucket list destination is about to get more accessible (Picture: Getty Images) When I visited Zanzibar, a spectacular archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, it was a mission to get there. From London Heathrow, I flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, before taking another flight to the island of Unguja. All in, the journey to the cluster of islands known as the ‘backpackers’ Maldives’ took about 14 hours. But this is about to change. Air Tanzania, the country’s flag carrier, is planning to launch direct flights between the UK and the East African nation — a first for any airline. The best bit? They could be up and running by July 2027. To help with the launch, the airline said it will acquire eight new aircraft over the next five years. This will mark ‘one of the most substantial fleet expansion programmes currently underway among East African airlines.’ Here’s everything we know so far. London to Tanzania: the route Currently, there are no direct flights to Tanzania or Zanzibar from the UK. @worldwideglobally This is Zanzibar 🇹🇿 Coolest places to visit Paradise on earth Top travel destinations Travel Beautiful countries Travel inspiration Holiday ideas Beautiful nature #paradise #zanzibar #travel #holidays #fyp ♬ original sound – worldwideglobally Air Tanzania’s route will take off from London Gatwick, initially flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport in mainland Tanzania — the stop for major tourist destinations like Kilimanjaro National Park and the Serengeti. However, Peter Ulanga, the CEO of Air Tanzania, has said that the airline ‘will also run direct flights to Zanzibar, expanding the tourism potential of that destination from the UK, too.’ Peter acknowledged the challenges faced by airlines wanting to introduce new routes. One flight to paradise (Picture: Getty Images) But he said that, while they were choosing not to overpromise, he was confident they would be ready well ahead of time. To begin with, the plan is to schedule a minimum of three flights per week. What about Zanzibar? Tim Henshall, Head of Tourism Marketing for Tanzania in the UK, tells Metro that there is a ‘huge commitment from Air Tanzania to make this happen by July 2027.’ He also says there will ‘very likely be direct flights to Zanzibar straight from London.’ Henshall calls Zanzibar a ‘key market,’ adding that cities like Frankfurt and Amsterdam, which already have direct routes, ‘perform incredibly well.’ Bombshell beaches and fascinating culture await in Zanzibar (Picture: Sophie-May Williams) He says that Zanzibar is ‘hugely popular’ with UK travellers, and at the moment, the willingness to fly via another airport is there. ‘So giving them a direct flight will massively boost numbers.’ Could these new flights contribute to overtourism? There’s no denying that tourism is the leading contributor to Zanzibar’s economy — and it’s accelerating, fast. In 2025, Zanzibar welcomed a record 917,167 international tourists. It represented a huge increase from the 736,755 visitors the year before. @catchagypsea So.. when are we going? 😏🏝️🌀 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 (𝟏 𝐃𝐚𝐲): – Start your journey where history, culture, and spices blend in winding, labyrinth-like alleys. Explore the bustling Darajani Market, the historic Slave Market Memorial, and catch a breathtaking sunset from an ocean-front rooftop bar. Finish your evening tasting local street food at the iconic Forodhani Gardens 🍢 𝐍𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐖𝐈 & 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐖𝐄 (𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬): – This region is a tropical paradise, home to pristine white sands, vibrant turquoise waters, and world-class marine life 🏝️ – Don’t miss a boat trip from Matemwe to the Mnemba Atoll for the best snorkeling and diving in Zanzibar 🐠 𝐏𝐀𝐉𝐄 & 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐈 (𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬): – Known as the ultimate laid-back, bohemian paradise, this dramatic coastline is a haven for kitesurfers and beach lovers 🌊 – Sail on a traditional dhow and drift across the shallow turquoise waters surrounding Paje and Jambiani. One of the most peaceful ways to experience this coastline while watching local fishermen navigate the ocean using techniques passed down through generations ⛵️ 𝐊𝐈𝐙𝐈𝐌𝐊𝐀𝐙𝐈 (𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬): – Welcome to Zanzibar’s wild south, where dramatic coastlines meet authentic fishing village charm. Head out on a traditional dhow safari to spot resident dolphins and migrating whales in the bay 🐬 – Explore the nearby Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see the rare, playful Red Colobus monkeys roaming the lush mahogany forest 🐒 © Copyrighted content – no reposts without prior permission #zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarisland #tanzania #moana ♬ Jamaican (Bam Bam) – HUGEL & SOLTO (FR) During my trip, I noticed that some areas were paying the price for popularity. Plastic pollution is a growing concern in coastal regions. Similarly, a boom in hotel construction risks destroying natural habitats, deforestation, mangrove damage and eroding coastlines. I saw evidence of rapid expansion on a sunset cruise around Nungwi and Kendwa. As I listened to locals playing Swahili music on traditional Djembe drums, it was hard to ignore the half-built hotels and luxury resorts mushrooming along the shore.  The night market in Stone Town (Picture: Getty Images) However, Henshall assures that Air Tanzania’s new flights will be good for the tourism industry. ‘I don’t think overtourism is an issue currently in Zanzibar,’ he says. He reminds us that it’s an archipelago, and that beyond major hotspots like Stone Town, Paje, Nungwi and Kendwa, ‘there are plenty of other sensational islands and towns that have no major tourism at all.’ He spotlights Pemba, Zanzibar’s second-largest island, famed for its pristine beaches, world-class diving, and vast clove plantations. Fellow travellers who had visited the island told me that Pemba offers a more authentic, less crowded experience. Henshall also recommends Mafia Island, where dazzling marine life and remote sandbars are the main attractions. Meanwhile, Chumbe Island — 8km west of Unguja — encourages travellers to visit in the shoulder season. ‘Last year, it offered a 15% discount for stays between October and November.’ New flight routes coming to the UK • Full list of the best new flight routes coming to the UK in 2026• Full list of Ryanair and easyJet’s ‘exciting’ new routes from major UK airports • European gem that’s ‘better than Monaco’ is 23°C in May with new BA flights• ‘Pocket-sized’ island near UK gets a daily 45-minute flight from London• Manchester Airport gets two first-ever routes to lush Greek island and Africa’s largest country