TUI Launches Non-Stop London Gatwick to Zanzibar Flights from November 2027

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 19 June 2026

TUI has announced twice-weekly non-stop flights from London Gatwick to Zanzibar, launching in November 2027 and running through to March 2028, giving UK travellers a direct winter sun route to one of the Indian Ocean's most captivating island destinations.

New Non-Stop Gatwick to Zanzibar Route Confirmed for Winter 2027

TUI has confirmed a brand-new non-stop service from London Gatwick to Zanzibar, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 3rd November 2027. Operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, the route will run through to 22nd March 2028, covering the full winter season and stretching into early spring.

The announcement marks a notable expansion of TUI's long-haul flying programme from Gatwick, offering UK travellers a seamless direct connection to one of East Africa's most celebrated island destinations — no stopovers, no connections, just a straight flight to the Indian Ocean.

Twice-Weekly Flights Running Through the Full Winter Season

Departures will operate every Wednesday and Sunday from London Gatwick, giving travellers a degree of flexibility when it comes to planning their trip around work commitments or school holidays. The season runs from 3rd November 2027 through to the final outbound departure on 22nd March 2028 — nearly five months of direct access to Zanzibar from one of the UK's busiest airports.

The scheduling places the route squarely within the peak winter sun travel window, when demand for warm-weather escapes from the UK is consistently at its highest. For travellers looking to get away over the festive period, the New Year, or the February half-term, the route offers a well-timed option.

Why Zanzibar Is a Must-Visit Indian Ocean Escape

Why Zanzibar Is One of the Indian Ocean's Most Exciting Destinations

Zanzibar has seen a significant rise in popularity among UK travellers in recent years, and it is not difficult to understand why. The island combines stretches of white-sand beach and warm, clear waters with a rich cultural identity rooted in its Swahili Coast heritage. Stone Town, the island's UNESCO World Heritage-listed old quarter, draws visitors with its winding lanes, historic architecture, and vibrant spice market tradition.

Beyond the beaches and the history, Zanzibar offers a range of experiences — from snorkelling and diving in the surrounding marine reserves to exploring local fishing villages and dhow-building traditions that remain very much alive today. It is a destination that rewards those who venture beyond the resort, offering genuine depth alongside its obvious natural beauty.

Direct Flights from Gatwick Remove the Hassle of Connecting Flights

Until now, reaching Zanzibar from the UK has almost always required at least one connection, typically routing through hubs in the Middle East or mainland Africa. That adds time, cost, and complexity to what should be a straightforward long-haul escape. TUI's new non-stop service from London Gatwick changes that picture entirely for travellers in the South East and beyond.

Gatwick's extensive rail and road links make it one of the most accessible major airports in the UK, meaning the new route is well-positioned to serve a wide catchment of travellers, not just those based in London.

Plan as Winter Sun Demand Builds

With the route operating across the core winter months, demand for seats is likely to be strong — particularly around the festive period and school holiday windows. The twice-weekly schedule means availability will move quickly once bookings open, and travellers with specific dates in mind are best placed to act sooner rather than later.

Securing flights early not only protects preferred departure dates but also allows more time to plan the wider trip to what is fast becoming one of the most talked-about long-haul destinations in the UK travel market.

For expert advice and the best available deals on flights to Zanzibar, contact our travel agents at Crystal Travel today.