By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania’s tourism and investment landscape is set for a major lift following Brussels Airlines’ announcement that it will begin twice-weekly flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) starting June 3, 2026.
The move positions Tanzania more firmly on the global tourism map while enhancing investor access to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
The Belgian carrier – part of the Lufthansa Group – will operate the route every Wednesday and Saturday using an Airbus A330-300, offering 288 seats across business, premium economy, and economy classes.
The addition expands Brussels Airlines’ sub-Saharan African network to 18 destinations and marks Tanzania as its fifth hub in East Africa.
For Tanzania’s tourism economy, the implications are significant. Kilimanjaro Airport serves as the gateway not only to Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak – but also to some of the world’s most iconic safari destinations, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Direct connectivity from Brussels, the heart of the European Union, is expected to open doors to high-value tourists, tour operators and adventure travellers seeking simplified access.
Europe remains one of Tanzania’s biggest tourism markets. By introducing direct flights, Brussels Airlines could stimulate a fresh surge in arrivals, especially from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, all of which are easily linked through Brussels.
Tourism operators project increased bookings during both high and shoulder seasons, supporting hotels, lodges, transport services, and local communities.
“This route represents more than a new flight; it’s a strategic link,” noted Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg. “Tanzania is a top destination for safaris, and we’re proud to contribute to the local economy.”
The business case extends beyond tourism. Improved air connectivity strengthens Tanzania’s attractiveness to European investors exploring opportunities in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and real estate. Direct flights reduce logistical hurdles, particularly for executives and technical teams who require frequent travel.
With Brussels hosting the European Union, various multinational headquarters, and major development institutions, the new route opens broader channels for bilateral trade and investment engagement.
The service may also reinforce Tanzania’s growing reputation as an aviation hub.
KIA’s expansion programme, combined with increasing international traffic, is transforming the northern corridor into a strategic node for regional and intercontinental travel. The introduction of a major European carrier is viewed as a vote of confidence in Tanzania’s stability, economic reforms, and tourism recovery trajectory.
For local businesses, from safari operators to conference organisers, the benefits could be immediate. Enhanced connectivity reduces travel complexity for travellers combining tourism with business, a segment that has grown as Tanzania positions itself for investment-led development under Dira 2050. As Brussels Airlines prepares for its first landing at the foot of the world-famous mountain, stakeholders expect the route to deepen Tanzania’s integration into the global market. And with tourism contributing roughly 17 percent of the country’s GDP, the new link could become one of the most impactful aviation developments for the sector in recent years.
