TUI has unveiled plans to launch direct flights from London Gatwick to Zanzibar for the Winter 2027 season, making it the only UK package holiday company offering nonstop routes to the Indian Ocean archipelago.The new service responds to rising demand among British holidaymakers looking for lesser-known long-haul winter sun escapes.Flights will operate twice weekly, departing on Wednesdays and Sundays, with the first taking off on November 3, 2027 and the final outbound journey of the season scheduled for March 22, 2028.The Zanzibar route forms part of TUI’s broader Winter 2027 programme, which goes on sale July 2, 2026 and features more than 50 destinations alongside over 2,000 hotels.Zanzibar has white-sand beaches, ideal for a relaxing winter sun getaway | TUIZanzibar, nicknamed the ‘Spice Island’ due to its farming heritage, offers a mix of pristine white-sand beaches, lush forests, mangroves and grasslands – all reachable within an hour’s drive.Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zanzibar city, brings rich cultural experiences that blend perfectly with beach relaxation.With temperatures sitting between 23°C and 32°C throughout the year, it is an ideal winter sun spot for families and couples alike.The destination also presents a more budget-friendly option compared to Indian Ocean favourites like the Maldives and Mauritius.Beyond the beach, visitors can combine their island getaway with safari adventures, taking short flights to nearby Nyerere and Serengeti national parks to spot elephants, lions and giraffes.TUI operates eight hotels on the island, working alongside partners including RIU and JAZ, with options ranging from all-inclusive resorts to adults-only retreats and premium beachfront properties.The TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar stands out with its north-east coast location, five restaurants, four bars and three swimming pools.For those seeking luxury, the five-star Mora Zanzibar has suites with private pools and family rooms accommodating up to five guests, plus a kids’ club offering activities inspired by local culture.Flights will launch for Winter 2027 in a UK package holiday company first | TUISeven-night all-inclusive packages at the Zanzibar Bay Resort start from £1,615 per person, departing December 1, 2027, while stays at TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar begin at £2,085 per person from November 17, 2027.Commercial director at TUI UK&I, Chris Logan, said: “We’re really excited to be launching our direct flights to Zanzibar, making it easier than ever for customers to swap winter in the UK for an island paradise. “With our established hotel portfolio already in place, we’re confident Zanzibar will be a standout addition to our Winter 2027 programme, tapping into growing demand for long-haul destinations that deliver both experience and value.”By introducing flights from the UK, we’re opening up everything the island has to offer, from white sand beaches and rich culture to unforgettable excursions, all brought together in one seamless package. As always, our holidays are designed to take the stress out of planning, giving customers complete confidence when booking their winter escape.”The wider Winter 2027 programme includes free kids’ places during school holidays at 60 hotels across nine destinations: the Balearics, Canaries, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Mainland Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.