Sudhir Sreedharam, DSVP of Commercial Operations at flydubai and Allan Njoroge, Acting CEO at the Kenya Tourism Board./HANDOUT
Kenya’s tourism industry has praised the government for attracting more international airlines into the country, saying the new routes will boost accessibility and promote Kenya as a top global destination.
This comes as Flydubai, a Dubai-based carrier, launched its inaugural flight to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Wednesday, carrying 80 passengers.
The airline becomes the fifth carrier to make its maiden entry into Kenya this year and will operate four weekly flights to Nairobi, in addition to its existing daily service to Mombasa.
Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) CEO Nicanor Sabula lauded the government’s efforts to open up new markets through air connectivity, terming it a major step toward boosting tourism and trade.
“I want to thank the government for its efforts to open up the Kenyan market to the world through these new flights. This is the fifth airline this year alone, and it’s commendable,” said Sabula.
“I encourage travel agents to take advantage of these new opportunities to better package the destination and attract more travellers.”
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Kenya Tourism Board Acting CEO Allan Njoroge, described the new route as a strategic link that places Kenya at the center of global tourism and trade.
“Dubai is one of the world’s most important aviation and business hubs, and through this new service, Flydubai is bringing that connectivity closer to Kenya,” Miano said.
“The timing of this launch aligns with Kenya’s growing appeal to Middle Eastern travellers, a market that continues to show remarkable growth.”
In 2024, Kenya welcomed over 42,000 visitors from the Middle East, a 15 percent increase from the previous year — with the UAE accounting for the largest share.
Miano added that travellers from the Gulf region are increasingly drawn to Kenya’s authenticity, adventure, and premium experiences.
She expressed optimism that the new flight would help the country reach its goal of 5.5 million annual visitors by 2027.
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the new route would enhance connectivity and strengthen economic and tourism ties between Kenya and the Gulf region.
“Kenya has great potential, and with this new route, we are optimistic about increasing our flight frequency to daily for both Mombasa and Nairobi,” he said.
The new Nairobi service follows Flydubai’s successful Mombasa route, launched in January 2024, which has since expanded to daily operations.
The airline now serves 12 destinations across Africa, reinforcing its commitment to connecting Dubai with key markets on the continent.
Industry players say the increased flight arrivals are expected to significantly boost arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, whose travellers have shown a strong preference for Kenya’s safari adventures, coastal retreats, and Nairobi’s vibrant business scene.