Brussels Airlines Adds Kilimanjaro to Its Network: Expanding Tanzania’s Gateway to the World
Tanzania’s tourism sector is set to benefit significantly from the announcement that Brussels Airlines will introduce direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport JRO beginning June 3, 2026. The new long-haul route will operate twice weekly and marks an important step in improving accessibility to Tanzania’s premier tourism destinations while strengthening the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading safari and adventure travel hubs.
The introduction of Kilimanjaro into the Brussels Airlines African network demonstrates growing international confidence in Tanzania’s tourism potential. It also represents a major opportunity for the country’s private tourism sector, particularly members of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), who continue to play a central role in welcoming international visitors and delivering world-class travel experiences.
Strengthening Tanzania’s Global Air Connectivity
The new Brussels Airlines service will operate twice per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using the modern Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured with 288 seats across Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. Return fares are expected to start from approximately €519, making Tanzania more accessible to travelers from across Europe and beyond.
With Kilimanjaro added to its network, Brussels Airlines will expand its presence in sub-Saharan Africa to 18 destinations. The route becomes the airline’s fifth destination in East Africa, joining Entebbe, Kigali, Bujumbura, and Nairobi. The new connection enhances Tanzania’s direct access to the European market through Brussels, one of Europe’s major aviation hubs, providing seamless onward connections to numerous international destinations.
This improved connectivity is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, encourage longer stays, and support the continued growth of Tanzania’s tourism economy.
Kilimanjaro: A Gateway to Tanzania’s Iconic Attractions
Kilimanjaro serves as one of Tanzania’s most important tourism gateways. Visitors arriving through Kilimanjaro gain direct access to some of Africa’s most celebrated natural attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent’s highest peak and one of the world’s most famous trekking destinations.
The region also provides convenient access to the renowned Serengeti National Park and the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These destinations offer visitors exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including the Great Migration, diverse ecosystems, and unique cultural experiences.
For leisure travelers seeking authentic African safari experiences, Kilimanjaro provides an ideal starting point for exploring Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, which remains one of the most sought-after safari regions in the world.
Economic and Tourism Opportunities
The introduction of this new route is expected to contribute positively to Tanzania’s economy by increasing tourist arrivals and generating additional business for tour operators, lodges, transport providers, and local communities.
Air connectivity remains one of the most critical factors influencing tourism growth. Direct and reliable international flights reduce travel time, improve convenience, and increase destination competitiveness. The Kilimanjaro–Brussels route therefore represents a strategic development that strengthens Tanzania’s visibility in global travel markets.
The new connection also supports diversification of visitor source markets by strengthening Tanzania’s links with Belgium and other European countries connected through Brussels.
The Role of TATO: Championing Growth, Connectivity, and Global Competitiveness
The expansion of international air connectivity to Tanzania reflects the continued efforts of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) to strengthen the country’s tourism ecosystem and global competitiveness.
- Advocacy & Policy Engagement
TATO serves as the unified voice of tour operators in Tanzania, engaging government institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure policies and regulations support tourism growth, investment, and improved accessibility. Enhanced air connectivity is closely aligned with TATO’s advocacy for easier travel and increased international access to Tanzania. - International Marketing & Destination Promotion
TATO actively promotes Tanzania in key global markets through trade fairs, roadshows, and partnerships with international tourism stakeholders. Improved airline connectivity supports these efforts by making Tanzania more accessible to international travelers and strengthening destination visibility in Europe and beyond. - Industry Coordination & Private Sector Development
TATO works to strengthen collaboration between airlines, tour operators, government agencies, and tourism service providers to ensure that increased visitor arrivals translate into sustainable industry growth. New routes such as Brussels–Kilimanjaro create expanded opportunities for TATO members to reach new markets and build international partnerships. - Quality Assurance & Professional Standards
Through training, capacity-building initiatives, and promotion of best practices, TATO supports high service standards across the tourism sector. This ensures that visitors arriving on new international routes experience safe, professional, and high-quality tourism services delivered by TATO members. - Sustainable Tourism and Conservation Support
TATO promotes responsible tourism practices that protect Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Increased access to Tanzania through new airline routes is matched with ongoing efforts to ensure tourism growth contributes to conservation and community development.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism Development
Beyond promoting growth, TATO continues to champion responsible tourism practices that ensure Tanzania’s natural and cultural resources are preserved for future generations. Increased visitor numbers must be matched with sustainable management practices, and TATO works closely with stakeholders to promote conservation, community engagement, and ethical tourism operations.
New air routes such as the Kilimanjaro connection provide opportunities not only for economic growth but also for strengthening sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit wildlife conservation and local communities.
Looking Ahead
The launch of Brussels Airlines’ Kilimanjaro route represents a significant milestone for Tanzania’s tourism industry. By improving access from Europe and enhancing Tanzania’s visibility in international markets, the new service is expected to contribute to long-term growth and resilience in the sector.
For travelers, the route offers a convenient and comfortable gateway to Tanzania’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife experiences. For the tourism industry, it represents another important step toward strengthening Tanzania’s position as one of the world’s premier safari destinations.
With continued collaboration between airlines, government institutions, and private-sector organizations such as TATO, Tanzania is well positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and continue expanding its global tourism footprint.
