Brussels Airlines will commence direct flights between Brussels Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport from 3 June 2026, expanding the carrier’s long-haul network into northern Tanzania. The twice-weekly service, scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays, will operate on Airbus A330-300 equipment.
The new Kilimanjaro link increases Brussels Airlines’ footprint in sub-Saharan Africa to 18 destinations, and marks the airline’s fifth East African gateway, joining Entebbe, Kigali, Bujumbura, and Nairobi. The route is positioned as a direct European connection to both Mount Kilimanjaro and adjacent safari circuits, including Serengeti National Park and the NgorongoroConservation Area, both designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Brussels Airlines confirmed the route will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using its Airbus A330-300 fleet. The aircraft is configured to accommodate Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class passengers, with an overall seat count in the region of 288. The service forms part of the carrier’s Summer 2026 network rollout, which also includes capacity increases to other long-haul and short-haul markets.
Dorothea von Boxberg, Chief Executive Officer of Brussels Airlines, described the expansion as a reiteration of the airline’s strategic focus on Africa. “Sub-Saharan Africa is our second home, and we’re happy to add an attractive destination to our network on this beautiful continent,” she said, adding that the new link will “contribute to the local economy by connecting Kilimanjaro to Brussels and beyond.”
Operational and commercial details released by the airline indicate that the first flight will depart Brussels on 3 June 2026.
The Kilimanjaro route is expected to serve multiple market segments. For leisure travellers, it shortens transit times to Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, enabling more direct access to hiking, wildlife and coastal extensions. For tour operators and inbound partners, the service provides an additional distribution channel from Europe into Arusha and surrounding safari regions. From Brussels Airlines’ perspective, the connection reinforces the carrier’s role as a European hub for travel to sub-Saharan Africa.
The airline’s Summer 2026 network update also includes increases in capacity elsewhere, notably an additional weekly long-haul frequency to Freetown, Sierra Leone, and expanded short and medium-haul services to several European destinations. These adjustments form part of Brussels Airlines’ broader capacity planning for the 2026 season.
For Tanzania’s tourism stakeholders, the direct link represents an incremental access point to key source markets in Belgium and neighbouring European countries. The route’s establishment underscores continuing airline interest in East Africa as a destination for adventure tourism, nature-based experiences and MICE travel.
Travel trade and accommodation partners should note practical implications when packaging product for the Kilimanjaro service. Relevant considerations include aligning itinerary timings with the twice-weekly schedule, structuring multi-destination programmes that make efficient use of hub connections, and positioning offerings that capitalise on both mountain trekking and adjacent safari opportunities. Given the aircraft type and cabin mix, operators may also consider differentiated product propositions for premium and mainstream segments.
Brussels Airlines’ launch of Kilimanjaro service is a notable development in Europe–Africa air connectivity for 2026. The carrier and industry partners will monitor passenger uptake, seasonal performance and onward booking patterns as the route enters service in June. Travel professionals are encouraged to verify schedules and availability with the airline when assembling itineraries that incorporate the new Brussels–Kilimanjaro link.
