Italian travellers heading to Tanzania this summer will soon have a faster route to one of Africa’s most famous adventure destinations, after Neos Air confirmed a new direct seasonal connection from Milan Malpensa to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The Italian carrier plans to operate the weekly service from 14 July until 20 October 2026 using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The route will continue onward to Zanzibar before returning to Milan, creating a direct air link between northern Tanzania and Italy during the peak travel season.
The new route is expected to reduce travel times significantly for Italian tourists visiting Mount Kilimanjaro, safari destinations around Arusha, and the beaches of Zanzibar. Until now, many travellers from Italy typically reached northern Tanzania through connections in Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or European hubs.
Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises 5,896 metres above sea level, is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the continent’s best-known tourism landmarks. The UNESCO-listed national park attracts tens of thousands of climbers every year, along with visitors seeking wildlife experiences and photographic tours in northern Tanzania.
The July-to-October operating period coincides with Tanzania’s dry season, widely regarded as one of the best times for trekking and safari travel. Weather conditions during these months are generally cooler and clearer, improving visibility on climbing routes and increasing wildlife viewing opportunities in nearby parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park.
The flight is also expected to strengthen links between Italy and Tanzania’s growing tourism sector. Italian travellers have long represented an important European market for Zanzibar and safari holidays, particularly during the summer season.
Flight schedules show the aircraft will depart Milan Malpensa in the evening before arriving at Kilimanjaro the following morning. After a short stop, the aircraft will continue to Zanzibar before returning to Italy later the same day.
Kilimanjaro International Airport serves as the main gateway to northern Tanzania and provides access to both Moshi and Arusha, the two principal starting points for climbing expeditions and safari itineraries. The airport has seen increasing international interest in recent years as demand for experiential and adventure tourism continues to grow.
While many travellers attempt the climb to Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point, Kilimanjaro also attracts visitors who prefer shorter hiking routes, nature excursions and cultural tourism experiences in surrounding villages. The lower slopes are home to rainforest ecosystems where visitors may encounter elephants, buffalo, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Tour operators across northern Tanzania increasingly combine Kilimanjaro trekking with safari itineraries and beach stays in Zanzibar, a combination that the new Neos route appears designed to support.
The airline already operates services between Milan and Zanzibar, with Neos remaining one of the few carriers offering direct long-haul leisure routes between Italy and East Africa. The Tanzania flights are operated using Boeing 787 aircraft and focus heavily on leisure demand.
The addition of Kilimanjaro to the routing reflects growing European demand for outdoor and adventure-focused holidays, particularly among travellers seeking nature experiences, trekking and wildlife tourism.
Tourism remains one of Tanzania’s most important economic sectors, and improved air connectivity is viewed as a key driver for attracting higher-spending international visitors. The new Milan route is expected to benefit both Tanzania’s tourism industry and Italian travellers seeking easier access to East Africa’s safari and mountain regions.
