Flights from the United Kingdom to Zanzibar — what actually exists today

There is no non-stop flight from the United Kingdom to Zanzibar yet. Two are announced for 2027 — Air Tanzania from London–Gatwick from 1 July 2027, and TUI from London–Gatwick from 3 November 2027 — but until then every journey from the UK involves one change of plane. This page says which routings exist now, what the 2027 announcements really say, and what happens once you land.

Today: one stop, three well-served hubs

From London you change planes once, at a hub that has its own service into Zanzibar:

• Via Istanbul — Turkish Airlines flies Istanbul–Zanzibar.

• Via Dubai — flydubai and Air Tanzania fly Dubai–Zanzibar.

• Via Amsterdam — KLM flies Amsterdam–Zanzibar; TUI fly also operates the Amsterdam route twice weekly.

Plan for a full travel day. Overnight departures from London reach Zanzibar the next afternoon or evening on most of these routings, so a late arrival day followed by a slow first morning on the east coast is the normal rhythm.

From 2027: two non-stop routes are announced, none is flying yet

• Air Tanzania, London–Gatwick — begins 1 July 2027. Listed by Zanzibar airport as a future route. Airline launch dates slip; check the airline's timetable before you book a stay around it.

• TUI, London–Gatwick — from 3 November 2027, twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, for the winter season through 22 March 2028, according to TUI's own announcement.

We will update this page when either route is actually operating.

All flights land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).

When you land

By road, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. The route runs south-east from the airport towards Jozani Forest, then the new road left into Bwejuu, and left again along the coast to Michamvi Pingwe. A car costs USD 60 per car for up to six people. The hotel helps organise transfers through two trusted local partner agencies. Tanzanian law does not permit the hotel to run its own taxis, so payment goes to the driver’s company.

Where you are going

Boutique Hotel Matlai sits at Michamvi Pingwe, on the south-east coast of Zanzibar. It is 6 rooms in total, across 2 villas — Villa Kidosho (two suites) and Asili House (four rooms) — set in a 10,000 sqm garden. The property is east-facing — the sun rises directly over the Indian Ocean. Half board — breakfast and dinner — is the standard rate. Write to info@hotelmatlai.com and we will help arrange your transfer from the airport.

Questions people ask

Is there a direct flight from London to Zanzibar?

Not yet. Air Tanzania has announced London–Gatwick to Zanzibar from 1 July 2027 and TUI from 3 November 2027. Until a route is actually operating, every UK journey involves one change of plane, most commonly at Istanbul, Dubai or Amsterdam.

Which is the easiest one-stop routing from the UK?

Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, Dubai with flydubai or Air Tanzania on the second leg, or Amsterdam with KLM. All three hubs have their own service into Zanzibar, so you change once and keep one booking.

How do I get from Zanzibar airport to the east coast?

By road, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. The route runs south-east from the airport towards Jozani Forest, then the new road left into Bwejuu, and left again along the coast to Michamvi Pingwe. A car costs USD 60 per car for up to six people. The hotel helps organise transfers through two trusted local partner agencies.

What is the coast like on that side of the island?

Matlai is at Michamvi Pingwe, on the south-east coast of Zanzibar. The property is east-facing — the sun rises directly over the Indian Ocean, so mornings begin with sunrise over the water. It is 6 rooms across 2 villas — Villa Kidosho (two suites) and Asili House (four rooms) — in a 10,000 sqm garden.