TUI Adds New Direct Flights from London Gatwick to Zanzibar for Winter 2027 as Part of Major Long-Haul Expansion

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TUI is expanding its Winter 2027 programme with the launch of new direct flights from London Gatwick to Zanzibar, positioning the route as part of a wider long-haul growth strategy driven by rising demand for alternative winter sun destinations. The twice-weekly service is designed to improve access to the Indian Ocean island by removing stopovers and integrating travel into a seamless package that includes flights, accommodation, transfers and on-the-ground support. Zanzibar has been chosen due to its growing appeal as a destination that combines beaches, cultural heritage and safari connections in nearby East Africa, aligning with TUI’s broader effort to diversify its long-haul offering and provide value-focused, experience-led holidays during the peak winter travel season.

TUI UK&I is set to broaden its Winter 2027 programme with the launch of direct flights to Zanzibar, strengthening its long-haul winter sun portfolio at a time of sustained demand for alternative beach destinations. The programme will go on sale on 2 July 2026, with Zanzibar emerging as one of the headline additions in the operator’s seasonal expansion.

The new route will operate from London Gatwick twice weekly, with departures scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays beginning 3 November 2027. The service will continue through the winter peak, with the final outbound flight planned for 22 March 2028. The schedule is designed to capture the full winter holiday window, from early November escapes through to late-season travel in March.

A key feature of the launch is the introduction of a non-stop connection between the UK and Zanzibar, removing the need for stopovers that have traditionally been part of the journey. The shift is expected to make the destination more attractive to UK travellers by simplifying access and reducing overall travel time. The flights will be sold as part of package holidays that combine air travel, accommodation, transfers and in-resort assistance into a single booking, reflecting the continued growth of integrated holiday products in the long-haul market.

Zanzibar itself is being promoted as a rising destination in the Indian Ocean, positioned between established luxury hotspots and emerging value-led alternatives. The island, often referred to historically as the “Spice Island,” carries a layered identity shaped by its spice trade heritage, coastal geography and cultural diversity. Visitors can move from palm-lined beaches to inland forests, mangrove systems and open plains within relatively short distances, giving the destination a compact but varied travel experience.

At the cultural centre of the island sits Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense network of alleyways, carved wooden doors and historic seafront architecture. The area reflects centuries of trade and cultural exchange between Africa, the Middle East and Asia, offering a contrasting experience to the island’s resort coastline. This blend of heritage and beach tourism is central to Zanzibar’s growing appeal among long-haul travellers.

Weather conditions are another consistent draw. The island maintains warm temperatures throughout the year, typically ranging from 23°C to 32°C, making it a dependable winter sun option when much of Europe is in its colder season. Alongside climate stability, Zanzibar is increasingly marketed as a more accessible alternative to higher-priced Indian Ocean destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius, particularly for travellers seeking a balance between experience and cost.

Beyond its coastal resorts, Zanzibar is also being developed as a base for wider East African exploration. Organised excursions allow travellers to combine beach stays with safari experiences on the mainland, particularly in national parks such as Nyerere and Serengeti. These trips typically involve short internal flights and offer opportunities to observe wildlife including elephants, lions and giraffes in open savannah environments that remain less crowded than more established safari circuits.

On the island itself, guided excursions extend the travel offering beyond the shoreline. Visitors can take part in tours that explore protected areas, spice plantations and rural communities. These experiences highlight both the ecological diversity and historical importance of spice cultivation in shaping Zanzibar’s identity and economy. Cultural visits often include local food experiences and community-led initiatives, adding depth to the standard beach holiday format.

Accommodation across Zanzibar is positioned across a broad spectrum, ranging from large all-inclusive resorts to boutique and luxury properties. Many hotels are located along the coastline, offering direct beach access and ocean-facing rooms, while others focus on privacy, wellness and tailored guest experiences. Family-friendly resorts, adults-only retreats and premium beachfront properties all form part of the island’s expanding hospitality base.

Among the featured hotel styles are beachfront resorts offering multiple dining venues, pools and extensive leisure facilities, alongside higher-end properties that include private pool suites and personalised service options. Some family-oriented hotels also integrate cultural programming for children, designed to introduce elements of local heritage through structured activities. The accommodation network is supported by both in-house operations and established international hotel partners.

Pricing for Zanzibar packages within the Winter 2027 programme is positioned across different tiers depending on travel dates and accommodation choice. Seven-night all-inclusive stays, including flights and transfers, are expected to start from around £1,615 per person based on two adults sharing. Higher-end resort packages are priced from approximately £2,085 per person, reflecting upgraded accommodation and beachfront positioning. This places Zanzibar in a competitive mid-range segment for long-haul winter sun travel.

The wider Winter 2027 programme will cover more than 50 destinations and over 2,000 hotels across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and long-haul markets. The range is designed to appeal to different travel segments, from short-haul beach breaks to long-haul winter escapes, with flexible options for couples, families and larger groups.

Family travel continues to be a core focus, with selected hotels across destinations such as the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, mainland Spain, Tunisia and Turkey offering free child places during peak holiday periods. This approach is intended to support affordability for families travelling during school holidays, when demand is highest.

The programme is structured around a connected end-to-end travel system, bringing together booking, in-destination support, and customer assistance into a single coordinated framework. Travellers benefit from 24-hour digital support through mobile platforms, on-the-ground assistance at destinations, and established financial protection schemes within the travel industry. Combined with a wide UK retail network, the structure aims to provide continuity from booking through to return travel.

TUI is expanding its Winter 2027 programme with new direct London Gatwick–Zanzibar flights as part of a major long-haul push driven by rising demand for alternative winter sun destinations and simplified package travel.

Overall, the introduction of Zanzibar signals a continued shift toward diversified long-haul winter offerings, where accessibility, experience variety and bundled convenience are increasingly central to destination strategy.