Kenya Airways KQ has marked a milestone in its expansion strategy with the official launch of direct flights from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport NBO to London Gatwick Airport LGW.
The inaugural flight, KQ 108, departed Nairobi on Wednesday at 23:45, signifying a new era of enhanced connectivity between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
The route increases Kenya Airways' London frequencies to 10 weekly flights, with Gatwick now serving as the airlines second entry point into London, complementing the existing services to Heathrow.
Kenyas cabinet secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, said the Nairobi-Gatwick service would enable Kenya to significantly grow visitor numbers, diversify its tourism products, and scale up multi-destination travel across the country.
These developments will deliver tangible benefits to our hoteliers, tour operators, and entrepreneurs in the broader travel ecosystem across the country. The ripple effects will be felt in employment, income generation, and in the continued diversification of our tourism economy.
More importantly, it breathes life into the Kenya-UK Economic Partnership Agreement by enhancing the mobility of goods, services, investments, and people, thereby fostering stronger diplomatic ties between our nations.
Kenya Airways group managing director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, said the new route would reinforce existing trade ties.
'This inaugural flight to Gatwick is not just about adding a new destination it's about opening more doors for trade, tourism, education, and strengthening the vital connections between Kenya and the UK.
Kenyas permanent secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, commended the airline for its contribution to the continents prosperity.
According to a recent report by the International Air Transport Association, the aviation sector currently contributes Ksh 425 billion to our national GDP, representing 3.1 of our economy and supporting approximately 460 000 jobs both directly and indirectly.
These statistics represent livelihoods, opportunities, and national progress. Through its operations, Kenya Airways facilitates the export of agricultural produce, enables international business linkages, attracts investment, and promotes tourism by offering seamless connections between Kenya and key global destinations, she said.
UK deputy high commissioner, Ed Barnett, welcomed the service.
'This increased connectivity will undoubtedly foster deeper bilateral ties, boost economic opportunities for both nations, and make it even easier for people to travel, study, and conduct business between the UK and Kenya. It's a fantastic development for our enduring partnership.
The new Gatwick service will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with flights departing Nairobi at night.
Passengers flying from Gatwick will benefit from connections to Kenya Airways' network, via its Nairobi hub, to destinations across Africa and beyond.
Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free. Subscribe to receive print copies of Freight News Features to your door.