Kenya Airways flags-off maiden flight from Mombasa to Dubai

Kenya Airways (KQ) has made its maiden non-stop flight to Dubai International Airport from Mombasa, Kenya.  The flight from Moi International Airport marked the second hub, other than its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, that the carrier connects passengers directly to the UAE.

Operated by a Boeing 737-800 with registration number KQ306 aircraft, the flight carrying 145 passengers was flagged off by His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya in the presence of Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works, Hon. Penina Malonza – Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Wildlife and Heritage, H.E. Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir – Governor of Mombasa County, Mr Alex Gitari – Managing Director – Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), John Chirchir – Ag. CEO, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) among other key stakeholders.

“Kenya’s air transport has what it takes to drive the economy. From exports of cargo to our renown agricultural produce, to our magnificent touristic attractions. The launch of this flight marks yet another dynamic that will go a long way to sustain millions of jobs from the tourism sector in the Coast region. By connecting the Kenyan Coast to Middle East directly, the travel time is effectively reduced thereby making Kenya the most attractive destination for the Middle East holiday seekers,” said the Deputy President as he lauded Kenya Airways and flagged off the flight to Dubai.

Speaking at the same event, Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works said, “We acknowledge the important role that the aviation industry plays in the growth of our economy and the tourism sector. As a Ministry, we are keen to rally all stakeholders towards unlocking this immense potential and with these new flights’ connection from Mombasa to Dubai through Kenya Airways marks of the ways we are doing so.”

Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu said, ” As players within the industry, we want to ensure our tourism hubs attract more international travellers and the Mombasa-Dubai route is our way of honouring this. With this route  opening, we expect to capitalize on the opportunities between Kenya and the UAE and to give our guests direct access to the wonders of the coastal region’s tourism.”

In September 2022, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing announced flexible visa rules and diverse products targeting 25 million Kenyan travellers by 2025. The East African Community (EAC), is rated as having one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and with a market of over 145 million people, it offers the UAE an opportunity for trade and tourism.

Flights are open for booking via KQ’s website, www.kenya-airways.com, travel agents and Online Travel Agents (OTAs).

The table below shows the flight details: