Air Tanzania has announced the launch of direct flights connecting Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, starting August 18, 2025. The move is set to strengthen regional connectivity, expand travel options for passengers, and further enhance the growing tourism and business ties between the two East African destinations.

Under the new schedule, Flight TC233 will depart Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 06h50 and land in Zanzibar at 08h10 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On the return leg, Flight TC204 will operate every Tuesday and Thursday, departing Zanzibar at 05h40 and arriving in Nairobi at 07h00.

With this new service, travelers will enjoy a faster and more convenient connection between Nairobi and Zanzibar without the need for transit stops. Zanzibar, renowned for its white sandy beaches, spice farms, Stone Town heritage, and vibrant Swahili culture, has long been a popular getaway for Kenyan holidaymakers. Likewise, Nairobi serves as a major business and travel hub in East Africa, offering access to international connections and thriving trade opportunities.

According to travel industry stakeholders, the introduction of direct flights is expected to stimulate both tourism and trade, while also creating more opportunities for collaboration across the region. The timing of the flights also makes them convenient for business travelers seeking early arrivals as well as tourists planning short holiday breaks.

Passengers looking to book tickets for these flights are encouraged to use Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)-certified agents to ensure professional, reliable, and seamless travel arrangements.

Find a certified agent here

Air Tanzania’s latest move underscores the growing importance of East African aviation connectivity, which continues to play a critical role in driving economic integration, cultural exchange, and tourism growth in the region.

Flying between Africa’s major cities remains a frustrating experience for millions of travellers. Despite being home to over a billion people across a landmass three times larger than Europe, the continent’s air transport network remains fragmented and inefficient.

The statistics paint a stark picture of Africa’s aviation underperformance. While the continent represents approximately 17% of the global population, its air transport accounts for less than 3% of worldwide traffic.

This disparity becomes more apparent when examining interregional travel. Only 7 out of the 54 countries on the African continent offer direct flights to more than 20 other African nations. While Northern Africa enjoys relatively strong links with a connectivity rate of 67%, interregional connections are weak, just 35% between Northern and Western Africa, and as low as 3% between Western and Southern Africa (AFRAA, Q4 2024).

The connectivity crisis extends beyond major hubs. Travellers seeking to fly between Nairobi and Dakar face limited options, with no direct flights currently available. Similarly, there are no non-stop flights between Algiers and Kinshasa, nor can passengers reach Johannesburg from Casablanca without changing planes. These routing inefficiencies force travellers to make awkward stopovers in the Middle East or Europe, adding hours to journeys that should be straightforward regional connections.

Open Skies Policy requires caution, not a Free Pass for foreign airlines

Consolidation of African airlines presents a viable solution to these inefficiencies. The continent’s aviation industry is plagued by high operational costs, with fuel, leasing, and financing expenses often exceeding those in other global regions. By pooling resources, harmonising operations, and building joint route networks, African carriers can achieve the scale and efficiency needed to expand direct intra-regional services.

Africa previously attempted continental aviation unity through Air Afrique, founded by eleven West African nations in 1961. Based in Abidjan, this pan-continental carrier transported hundreds of thousands of passengers annually as an economic development tool. However, Air Afrique collapsed in 2002 due to financial problems and competing shareholder interests, with routes going to Air France and other international carriers. This failure highlighted the complexities of multinational airline ventures and the need for stronger governance structures.

The Strategic Partnership Framework signed between Kenya Airways and SAA in November 2021 initially represented a promising approach to pan-African aviation consolidation. This collaboration, supported by both governments, was designed to focus on shared services, including route networks, fleet deployment, and technical maintenance operations to achieve cost savings for both carriers.

The setback underscores the complex realities of multinational airline partnerships in Africa’s challenging aviation environment.

KQ renews codeshare agreement with China Eastern Airlines

The successful merger of Air France and KLM in 2004 provides a compelling precedent for African consolidation efforts. This partnership created a European leader in air transport by leveraging complementary hub systems at Paris-CDG and Amsterdam-Schiphol, while maintaining distinct brand identities for different market segments.

The Air France-KLM model demonstrates how strategic partnerships can reduce costs, increase revenues, and expand network reach without losing operational efficiency.

A pan African airline alliance aligns with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) objectives of creating a single market for goods and services. Enhanced connectivity would facilitate business mobility, cultural exchange, and economic integration across the continent.

However, the fundamental need for such partnerships remains more pressing than ever. The continent’s young, rapidly urbanising population, growing middle class, and projected traffic doubling within 20 years present significant growth opportunities that cannot be fully realised through fragmented, competing airlines.

For consolidation to succeed, it must transcend mere corporate restructuring to address regulatory harmonisation, infrastructure development, and diplomatic cooperation. The ultimate goal should be creating a unified aviation ecosystem that serves Africa’s economic ambitions while providing practical, accessible, and affordable travel solutions for its people. KQ’s pursuit of partnerships with other African airlines is essential for Africa’s aviation success.

Source: Biznakenya.com

In today’s interconnected world, the travel industry thrives on collaboration, shared knowledge, and a united voice. This is where travel industry organisations step in, acting as the backbone of the sector, safeguarding its interests, and driving it toward sustainable growth. From global networks to regional alliances, these bodies ensure that travel professionals are not just service providers but key players in shaping economies, influencing policy, and enhancing customer trust.

At the global level, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) plays a pivotal role in setting standards for airline safety, ticketing, and financial settlement systems. By accrediting travel agents and ensuring harmonised practices worldwide, IATA builds efficiency, trust, and consistency across the air travel ecosystem.

The United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA) represents national travel agent bodies from over 65 countries, serving as the unified global voice of travel agents. UFTAA champions fair business practices, professional training, and stronger partnerships between agencies and industry suppliers, ensuring agents worldwide have a seat at the decision-making table.

In the United States, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) stands as one of the most influential advocates for travel professionals. Through legislative advocacy, industry education, and global networking, ASTA has elevated the profession’s credibility and expanded opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

Closer to home, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), representing over 300-member travel agencies, is the leading voice of Kenya’s travel sector. KATA advocates for fair regulations, promotes ethical business practices, and invests in training and innovation to ensure its members remain competitive in an evolving marketplace. By fostering strategic partnerships, KATA positions Kenya as a trusted hub for travel services in Africa.

Regionally, the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) unites national associations from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mauritius, and Botswana. AESATA addresses common challenges such as regulatory changes, technology disruptions, and the need for harmonised service standards across borders.

A prime example of AESATA’s role is the upcoming 2025 AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference, taking place from October 2 to 3, 2025, at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the theme “Connect, Collaborate, Co-create.” The event will bring together travel agents, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the region to network, share insights, and explore strategies for growth. Standard Bank Zimbabwe, as Platinum Sponsor, will highlight its secure and reliable travel payment solutions, reflecting the event’s focus on innovation and collaboration.

The power of these organisations lies in their ability to amplify the industry’s voice. Individually, a travel agency can advocate for its needs, but united under strong associations, those voices gain influence, credibility, and the ability to drive meaningful change. From negotiating airline fare structures to shaping government policy, these organisations ensure that the travel industry remains resilient, trusted, and forward-looking.

In an era of shifting consumer behaviours, rapid technological change, and global uncertainties, travel industry organisations remain the glue that holds the sector together, ensuring that, no matter the turbulence, travel continues to fuel economic growth, cultural exchange, and human connection.

Dubai International Airport has issued a travel alert as the summer holidays draw to a close.

DXB is expecting to welcome more than 3.6 million guests, with daily averages reaching 280,000, between Wednesday, August 13 and Monday, August 25.

The busiest day looks set to be Friday, August 15, with traffic expected to exceed 290,000.

The DXB travel warning comes as families and students travel back to Dubai ahead of the start of the new school year.

It looks set to be another record-breaking year at the world’s busiest international airport as recent figures revealed that the airport has handled more than 46 million guests in the first half of 2025.

Ahead of the particularly busy period, Dubai Airports has confirmed that it is working with airlines, control authorities and commercial and service partners to ensure a seamless, stress-free journey for every guest.

DXB travellers have been encouraged to use the Dubai Metro to get to the airport smoothly, with stations located at Terminals 1 and 3.

Those travelling with families have been encouraged to use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.

DXB also urged passengers to use the DXB Express Maps, an online tool that provides real-time flight information across all terminals. You can access the tool by scanning any QR code on a flight information screen.

The oneDXB community, spanning airport teams and stakeholders, is working in sync to keep operations running smoothly and journeys flowing seamlessly through the world’s busiest international hub.

DXB’s travel tips to know

• Emirates passengers are encouraged to take advantage of the early and self-check-in facilities, including city check-in options.
• flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at least four hours prior to departure.
• Guests flying with other airlines should aim to arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before their scheduled departure time, utilising online check-in where available to save time.
• Familiarise yourself with your airline’s baggage allowance and packing regulations. Avoid last-minute surprises by checking in ahead of time.
• Save time at security screening by being prepared. Place metal items— watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins, belt— in your hand luggage and follow the directed guidelines for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels.-
• Families with children over 12 can speed up the passport control process by using Smart Gates.

TimeoutDubai.com

The Kenyan government has signaled plans to build a new international airport, in a fresh push to strengthen the country’s aviation capacity and global competitiveness.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, speaking at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Symposium in Nairobi on Monday, said the state is preparing to revisit the long-delayed initiative, describing it as a strategic priority for positioning Kenya as a leading aviation hub in the region.

“Those who come in do appreciate that we do not have a modern airport. Our airport got burned in 2013 and we have tried twice to build a new one,” Chirchir said.

“But because of our democratic space, we have had so much debate. Now, we are going to make another attempt very shortly.”

He added that Kenya needs a world-class gateway to reflect its growing economic status and appeal to international visitors.

“We want to become that anchor state that attracts visitors, and when you come, you feel good arriving through the airport,” he said.

The CS revealed that the government will rely heavily on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to realise the new airport project.

This comes despite previous hurdles, such as the cancellation of the Adani Group’s contract for the upgrade of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in November 2024.

Chirchir acknowledged that previous attempts had been stalled by political and bureaucratic challenges but insisted that the government was now committed to moving forward with urgency and transparency.

If implemented, the new airport will join Kenya’s existing international airports, which include: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) – Nairobi, Moi International Airport– Mombasa, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Malindi International Airport.

These airports currently serve both domestic and international routes, playing a critical role in connecting Kenya to global destinations.

However, pressure has mounted in recent years to expand capacity and upgrade infrastructure to meet increasing demand and regional competition.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who also spoke at the symposium, emphasized the government’s commitment to meeting strict timelines, with implementation of all new infrastructure projects, including the proposed airport

The star

With 2025 approaching the forefront of global tourism, particularly leisure travel, the focus seems to be on Dubai and Riyadh. Both of these cities are undergoing an infrastructural makeover along with the construction of new and modern leisure attractions to accommodate the rising number of tourists. Riyadh is in the regime of catching up due to its vast reforms and investments, while tourism and luxury travel in Dubai is long established.

This exciting development is not just about high-end hotels and impressive skyscrapers; it is about a shift in culture, business, and hospitality. Dubai and Riyadh tourism are becoming more dynamic, offering experiences that are both innovative and enticing for travelers worldwide.

Why Dubai Is Dominating the Global Travel Scene

With 2025 approaching the forefront of global tourism, particularly leisure travel, the focus seems to be on Dubai and Riyadh. Both of these cities are undergoing an infrastructural makeover along with the construction of new and modern leisure attractions to accommodate the rising number of tourists. Riyadh is in the regime of catching up due to its vast reforms and investments, while tourism and luxury travel in Dubai is long established.

The government of Dubai has strategically places major tourism infrastructure like Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Media City. Other businesses and creative industries have also set up offices in these areas which, along with new global attractions like Dubai Opera, Aqua Fun Park, and Dubai Safari Park, makes Dubai a must visit place for corporates and entrepreneurs looking to blend business and leisure.

The Dubai tourism policies have also evolved, with initiatives encouraging global partnerships and enhancing the visitor experience. The city’s commitment to sustainability and smart technologies ensures that its future in tourism remains promising and appealing to the growing eco-conscious traveler.

Riyadh: The New Rising Star of Middle Eastern Tourism

While Dubai’s evolution has been impressive, Riyadh is now catching up at an astonishing rate. Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the capital city of Riyadh is being transformed into a vibrant global hub for business, tourism, and leisure. Vision 2030 has reshaped the city’s tourism and hospitality industry, focusing on the development of cultural landmarks, luxury resorts, and entertainment options that can rival cities like Dubai.

Riyadh has made leaps towards attracting international tourists. By 2025, Riyadh’s tourism infrastructure includes luxury hotels and unparalleled services of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center and Mandarin Oriental Riyadh. Aside from the existing high-end hotels, modern cultural museums, art exhibitions, and even theme parks are under consideration which will augment demand and cater towards leisure tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to lift alcohol restrictions in designated areas and host major sporting events signals its intentional pivot toward becoming a more tourism-friendly country. This shift, paired with large-scale investments in tourism infrastructure, makes Riyadh one of the most exciting places for tourists in the coming years.

The Competitive Edge: How Dubai and Riyadh Are Competing in Tourism

The rivalry between Dubai and Riyadh is heating up. Both cities are keen to dominate the Middle Eastern tourism market, and this competition is fueling rapid advancements in infrastructure and tourism policies. By 2025, Dubai was already the destination of choice for many corporates and leisure tourists. However, Saudi Arabia has introduced several new policies aimed at increasing the number of regional hubs in Riyadh.

The change in Saudi Arabia is one of the major economics Saudi Arabia. Riyadh isn’t only erecting new lavish hotels. Riyadh is setting up a new complete system for businesses, events, and recreational activities. In response, Dubai eased its business laws and started granting a number of incentives for foreign companies to establish regional offices there. This rivalry of industrial supremacy is for sure going to add a new layer in the already Dubai and Riyadh fueled innovation in tourism and increasing traveler’s opportunities in 2025.

The Future of Travel: Why You Should Visit Dubai and Riyadh in 2025

As the cities of Dubai and Riyadh strive to diversify and innovate, they are becoming more appealing to travelers. Dubai is a luxury travel destination, and with the new additions of mid-scale and affordable options, it is now accessible to all. Riyadh is emerging as the prime location which serves a dual purpose of business and leisure travel. With its strategic investments and rapid pace of development, it is going to be a tourist hotspot in the coming years.

Both cities now have sophisticated tourism infrastructures, offering modern transportation systems, attractive cultural events, and a growing number of entertainment options for travelers. Whether you’re visiting Dubai’s iconic malls or exploring Riyadh’s cultural renaissance, these two cities will continue to define the future of Middle Eastern tourism.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Dubai and Riyadh are poised to dominate the global tourism landscape in 2025 with new attractions, policies, and experiences.
• Dubai’s tourism scene is expanding beyond luxury to include mid-scale options and sustainable initiatives.
• Riyadh’s rapid transformation under Vision 2030 is making it a competitive alternative to Dubai for both business and leisure.
• As both cities compete for tourism dominance, 2025 will be a pivotal year for travelers looking for unique experiences in the Middle East.

 

Conclusion: Why 2025 Is the Year to Visit Dubai and Riyadh

With their ever-growing appeal to leisure travelers, Riyadh and Dubai are poised to be the ultimate destinations by 2025. Both cities are sure to stay at the top of travelers’ lists for years to come. This is thanks to their booming infrastructures, fuelled by а sustainable practices, new tourism experiences, and visionary policy investments.

Source; Travelandtourworld.com

Kenya Airways is significantly enhancing its flight capacity through a two-pronged strategy: restoring grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners and acquiring new narrow-body aircraft. This move promises to bolster the airline’s network and improve connectivity across Africa, creating new opportunities for travel agents.

Three Dreamliners, grounded since late 2024 due to maintenance delays, are being progressively returned to service. The first aircraft resumed operations on July 22, 2025, with the remaining two scheduled for September and December 2025. This restoration will significantly boost long-haul capacity, enabling Kenya Airways to better serve key international routes.

In addition to the Dreamliner restoration, Kenya Airways plans to lease three narrow-body aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2025. These additions will primarily serve regional and domestic routes, increasing seat capacity and expanding cargo capabilities. This investment reflects Kenya Airways’ response to rising travel demand and its commitment to modernizing its fleet.

The combined effect of these initiatives will strengthen Kenya Airways’ position as a leading African carrier. The restored Dreamliners will enhance long-haul connectivity, while the new narrow-body aircraft will improve regional and domestic services. This expanded network offers travel agents a wider range of flight options to promote, catering to both international and regional travelers.

The move also has broader implications for African air travel. Increased capacity and improved connectivity can stimulate tourism, facilitate business travel, and promote economic growth across the continent. Kenya Airways’ strategic investments contribute to a more robust and interconnected African aviation landscape, benefiting both travelers and the travel trade.

Kenya Airways’ fleet renewal program is part of a larger turnaround strategy. The airline has recently returned to profitability after years of losses and is actively pursuing recapitalization to strengthen its financial position. These positive developments signal a renewed focus on growth and a commitment to providing reliable and efficient air travel services.

For African travel agents, Kenya Airways’ enhanced capacity presents exciting opportunities. The expanded network and modernized fleet provide a wider range of travel options to offer clients, including seamless connections to international destinations and improved access to regional and domestic routes. This enhanced connectivity can boost sales and strengthen customer relationships.

Kenya Airways’ commitment to fleet renewal and operational efficiency reinforces its dedication to serving the African travel market. By investing in modern aircraft and expanding its network, the airline is creating a more seamless and convenient travel experience for passengers, while also providing valuable opportunities for travel agents to grow their businesses.

Source; Travelnews.africa

The announcement marks the latest restriction imposed by the Trump administration on travellers from Africa.

The United States has announced a pause on all routine visa applications for citizens of Zimbabwe.

The State Department said in a statement on Thursday that the US embassy in Zimbabwe would pause all routine visa services starting from Friday “while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe”.

The embassy described the measure as temporary and part of the Trump administration’s efforts to “prevent visa overstay and misuse”.

Most diplomatic and official visas would be exempt from the pause, the US said.

The US has enforced new travel restrictions on citizens from several African countries under President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement policies.

In June, the US put in place travel bans on citizens from 12 countries, seven of them in Africa.

It increased restrictions on seven other nations, three of them African.

The US has also demanded that 36 countries, the majority of them in Africa, improve their vetting of travellers or face a ban on their citizens visiting the United States.

Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia were all on that list of 36 countries asked to improve their citizens’ travel documentation and take steps to address the status of their nationals who are in the US illegally.

“The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the US State Department said on Thursday.

The announcement came days after the US unveiled a pilot project requiring citizens of two other African countries, Malawi and Zambia, to pay a bond of up to $15,000 for tourist or business visas.

The bond will be forfeited if the applicant stays in the US after their visa expires.

The new bond policy announced on Tuesday requires Malawians and Zambians to pay bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 as part of their application for a tourist or business visa to the US.

Under the programme, citizens of those countries must also arrive and depart at one of three airports: Boston’s Logan International Airport, New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport or Dulles International Airport near Washington, DC.

The visa bond pilot programme will start on August 20, the State Department said.

Source; Aljazeera.com