Hassan Magulumali
British Airways has announced plans to resume direct flights between the United Kingdom and Tanzania from May 2027, a move expected to strengthen tourism, business travel and investment ties between the two countries.
The announcement was made on October 7, 2026, by Moran Birger, British Airways’ Head of Marketing for Africa, Asia and the Pacific, during the Tanzania–United Kingdom Investment Forum held at the Peninsula Hotel in London. The forum was officially opened by Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba.
Birger said the decision had been influenced by growing numbers of travellers and tourists visiting Tanzania, alongside the country’s economic development and expanding investment opportunities.
The planned return of direct flights is expected to improve connectivity between Tanzania and the UK, making travel more convenient for tourists, investors and businesspeople. Better air links can also support tourism-related businesses, including hotels, tour operators, transport providers and other service industries.
Prime Minister Nchemba welcomed the announcement, describing improved international connectivity as an important contributor to Tanzania’s economic growth and development.
He said Tanzania offered investors opportunities beyond its domestic market, positioning the country as a gateway to wider regional markets.
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“For an investor seeking to invest in Tanzania, the focus should not be limited to the domestic market. Tanzania should also be viewed as a platform for reaching a wider regional market,” Nchemba told participants.
Addressing approximately 300 delegates at the forum, the prime minister identified peace, stability and consistent leadership as important foundations for attracting investment.
He also highlighted reliable electricity, road networks, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), ports and airports as essential infrastructure supporting economic growth and improving the business environment.
Nchemba said Tanzania’s economic transformation plans under Development Vision 2050 would require reliable and affordable electricity to support industrial expansion, business competitiveness and long-term development.
The government has identified investment in infrastructure and productive sectors as important to achieving its economic ambitions and expanding opportunities for businesses and individual citizens.
Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Kitila Mkumbo, said the Sixth Phase Government had established a national vision to guide the country’s development priorities.
He explained that Tanzania had developed policies, plans and clear objectives intended to support economic growth, improve individual livelihoods and strengthen the national economy.
The investment forum brought together government officials and business representatives to discuss opportunities for cooperation and investment between Tanzania and the United Kingdom.
British Airways’ planned resumption of direct services could complement these efforts by improving access between the two markets. However, the commercial impact will depend on the flight schedule, capacity, ticket prices and demand once the service begins.
The announcement comes as Tanzania seeks to attract more international investment, expand its tourism industry and strengthen its position as a regional business and transport hub.
