Travel News – Page 6 – Kenya Association of Travel Agents

Tourism sector rides on aviation recovery path to bounce back

The tourism sector recorded an improved performance last year as a result of growth in the aviation sector and hosting of prominent conferences.

Data from the Economic Survey 2024 shows the number of international visitor arrivals grew by 35.4 percent to 2.086 million in 2023, from 1.5 million in 2022.

Further, the surge in the growth of tourist arrivals saw the sector reach a recovery rate of 102.5 percent compared to 2019, surpassing the global pre-pandemic recovery rate of 88 per cent.

The hotel bed-night occupancy rose by 23.2 per cent to 8.63 million in 2023 of which 53.5 percent were occupied by Kenyans. The trend shows a growing domestic tourism.

The improved performance indicates that the sector is likely to achieve the 2.5 million international visitor arrivals and 6.5 million bed nights’ occupancy by Kenyans as contained in the Third Medium Term Plan, 2018-2022.

The Tourism Research Institute, earlier this year released a report that showed that the tourism sector performance had rebounded strongly by Sh56.34 billion, surpassing the pre-pandemic earnings of Sh296.2 billion recorded in 2019.

The immense recovery has been attributed to the weakening of the Kenya shilling against major global currencies and the effects of inflation locally and internationally also the rebound indicates higher per capita spending by arriving tourists.

Following the impressive sector performance, the tourism report projects that the sector performance will grow to Sh430 billion in 2024.

It also projects hitting up to 1.024 trillion by 2028 indicating a possibility of the country achieving the government’s vision of attracting five million tourists by 2028.

On visitor arrivals, the tourism sector projects receiving 2.4 million tourists in 2024, and up to 5.7 billion visitors by 2028.

Visitor arrivals by point of entry increased by 36.4 per cent through JKIA and Moi International Airport when compared to the rise of 31.9 percent recorded through other border points in 2023.

The economic survey shows that most visitors came for holiday. 934,400 visitors came for holiday, 493,800 came for business, and 101,700 were on transit.

In the same period, the number of departing visitors increased by 36,4 per cent to 1,952,400 in 2023 to 1,431,800 in 2022. The hotel bed nights’ occupancy by residents of Europe more than doubled to 1,970,000 in 2023. This was attributed to notable growth in bed-night occupancy by residents of Germany, Italy and UK in 2023.

Kenyan residents accounted for more than half of total bed-night occupancy in 2023, highlighting the significance of domestic tourism.

Further, the hotel bed-night capacity grew by 8.4 percent in 2023, partly attributed to new hotels and the expansion of some of the existing ones.

Source: Standard Media

Seychelles leads African nations in 2025 global passport rankings

The Henley Passport Index, a global authority on passport rankings, has revealed its 2025 list of the most powerful passports worldwide.

Drawing on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and extensive research, the index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
While African nations like Seychelles and Mauritius perform exceptionally well, a stark contrast remains between the continent’s most and least powerful passports.
For example, war-torn nations such as Somalia and Sudan rank near the bottom, highlighting the impact of geopolitical instability on mobility.

Here’s a look at the top-performing African passports on the Index this year:

In this article

1. Seychelles – Rank 25 (156 Visa-Free Destinations)

Seychelles retains its crown as Africa’s most powerful passport with access to 156 visa-free destinations.

2. Mauritius – Rank 29 (151 Visa-Free Destinations)

Mauritius secures second place among African countries with its 151 visa-free destinations making it a standout performer.

3. South Africa – Rank 48 (106 Visa-Free Destinations)

South Africa is ranked 48th globally. Its passport holders can access 106 destinations without a visa.

4. Botswana – Rank 57 (88 Visa-Free Destinations)

Botswana’s passport grants its holders access to 88 destinations.

5. Namibia – Rank 62 (81 Visa-Free Destinations)

Namibia ranks among the top five African countries, offering access to 81 destinations.

Other Notable Mentions:

Kenya – Rank 68 (74 Visa-Free Destinations): East Africa’s leading passport.
Ghana – Rank 74 (68 Visa-Free Destinations): Ghana maintains its reputation as a gateway to West Africa with improved access.
Nigeria – Rank 94 (46 Visa-Free Destinations): Despite challenges, Nigeria’s passport holds significance due to its strategic importance in the region.

African Rank	Country	Global Ranking	Visa-Free Destinations
1	Seychelles	25	156
2	Mauritius	29	151
3	South Africa	48	106
4	Botswana	57	88
5	Namibia	62	81
6	Lesotho	64	79
7	Malawi	67	75
8	Kenya	68	74
9	Morocco	69	73
10	Tanzania	69	73
11	The Gambia	71	71
12 (tie)	Uganda	72	70
12 (tie)	Zambia	72	70
14	Tunisia	73	69
15	Ghana	74	68
16 (tie)	Rwanda	76	66
16 (tie)	Sierra Leone	76	66
18 (tie)	Mozambique	77	65
18 (tie)	Zimbabwe	77	65
20	Madagascar	82	60
21	Côte d’Ivoire	83	59
22	Senegal	84	58
23	Algeria	86	56
24 (tie)	Nigeria	94	46
24 (tie)	Ethiopia	94	46
26	Angola	91	51
27	Burundi	92	50
28	Congo (Dem. Rep.)	94	46

Source:Kenyan wallstreet

Exciting Career Opportunity: Membership and Partnerships Manager at KATA

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is seeking a dynamic and results-driven professional to join our team as the Membership and Partnerships Manager. This critical role will support KATA’s mission by leading efforts in membership engagement, strategic partnerships, communication strategies, and event management to drive industry growth and value for our members.

Key Responsibilities:

Membership Management:

Develop and implement strategies to attract, retain, and engage members.
Serve as the primary point of contact for member inquiries, providing timely support.
Enhance the value proposition for KATA members through innovative initiatives.

Strategic Partnerships:

Identify and build partnerships with airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders.
Negotiate agreements that align with KATA’s strategic goals.
Represent KATA at industry forums and events to promote collaboration.

Communication and Branding:

Implement a comprehensive communication strategy to increase visibility and engagement.
Oversee the creation of content for newsletters, press releases, social media, and the KATA website.
Ensure consistent and professional branding across all channels.

Event Management:

Plan and execute impactful events, including industry meetings, conferences, workshops, and awards.
Manage all aspects of event logistics and coordinate with partners and sponsors.
Analyze feedback to improve future event outcomes.

Administrative and Strategic Support:

Work closely with the CEO on strategic initiatives.
Prepare reports for the Board and stakeholders on membership and partnership activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in membership management or partnership development.
Strong understanding of the travel industry and its key stakeholders.
Proven track record in event planning and execution.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency in CRM tools, social media platforms, and MS Office Suite.

Key Competencies:

Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
High level of professionalism and attention to detail.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including:

A cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for the role.
An updated CV.
Your current and expected salary.

Send your application to info@katakenya.org with the subject line: Application for Membership and Partnerships Manager or apply here ( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oCpu3v7gXUjMRxcdSRwsD-bla8_LDGnMRezBAMmqAs0/viewform?edit_requested=true )

We’ve Done Revenge Travel and Normalization. Here’s What to Expect in 2025

New year, new travel plans. If 2023 was the year of revenge travel, and 2024 was one of normalization, what will 2025 bring for the travel industry? Likely a slow and steady baseline of growth. But there will also be plenty of challenges and changes.

Skift Research’s new Global Travel Outlook 2025 takes a closer look at what the coming year has in store for the business of travel. New to the outlook is a five-country survey: We asked travelers in the U.S., UK, Germany, India, and China how they’re thinking about travel and what their budgets look like. Results from these ~1,600 global travelers bode well for the industry. On average these respondents intend to spend 9% more on travel this year. Travelers in India are particularly ready to hit the road – they expect to spend 14% more, the biggest increase in our survey.

These consumer-led survey results are consistent with our sector-by-sector revenue estimates for online travel, hotels, airlines, cruise, and short-term rentals. Both methods point to high single-digit revenue growth for the travel industry in 2025. That is below the revenge travel era, but in a world where the IMF expects global GDP to increase by 3.2%, it still makes travel a “GDP-plus” growth industry.

That’s not to say that everything will be smooth sailing. In the U.S., there is a massive change in power underway with Donald Trump set to head back to White House. It’s unclear how it will play out, though travel leaders are mostly optimistic. In Europe, slow growth remains the order of the day. China, too, is facing economic challenges while the Middle East continues its tourism investment full steam ahead. These disparate trends mean that region-specific expertise will likely be rewarded over a one-size-fits-all approach.

Overtourism and sustainable travel were put on the back burner by the pandemic. No longer in 2025. Regulators are on the move with junk fee rules, Airbnb bans, and emission mandates all being enacted. These old standbys will be joined by new challenges in 2025. Brands will have to fight to stay relevant in the face of new entrants and an increasingly jaded audience of travelers. Artificial Intelligence and other new tools will require investment in data and technology platforms. Inflation and labor costs remain top of mind.
But don’t mistake these many challenges for defeatism. Skift Research is still optimistic. That brings us back to our north star – the traveler.

And on this front our survey work makes clear that the shift to spending on experiences over things remains strong. Travel is the discretionary purchase that people are most excited to splurge on. It outranks dining, electronics, jewelry, and more.

In the new year, the consumer intends to travel more often and spend more on travel. They want to explore new destinations, and, where possible, indulge in luxury rooms and experiences. Travelers are crafting a 2025 full of travel that balances exploration, responsibility, and indulgence. I’ll drink a new year’s toast to that!

Source: Skift.

Providing Greater Customer Experience For All Passengers; IATA Sets The Agenda

Passenger service standards are pivotal in shaping customer satisfaction within the commercial aviation sector

Global passenger traffic is expected to continue to grow strongly. Accommodating this growth is a major challenge for the air transport industry and governments. It will require new standards, harmonized regulations and adequate infrastructure. In collaboration with its members, international organizations and states, IATA develops standards aimed at simplifying the passenger process towards a more seamless, inclusive and secure passenger experience while improving efficiency and lowering industry costs.

“The clear message from travelers is that they expect to board their planes faster with technology and smarter processes beginning well before they reach the airport. And the good news is that we are making this happen. Already travelers can arrive at the airport ready to fly with admissibility checks completed. And biometrics and digital identity can deliver a paperless experience once at the airport. That’s great for passengers,” says an IATA official. Moe importantly, the greater efficiency will help airport infrastructure to better cope with the growth in passenger numbers, helping to make the business case for adopting these new technologies and processes even more compelling

Passenger service standards (PSS) are pivotal in shaping customer satisfaction within the commercial aviation sector. High service standards lead to positive passenger experiences, fostering loyalty and enhanced brand reputation. When airlines meet or exceed these standards, customers are more likely to choose them for future travel.

Key elements contributing to customer satisfaction include safety, comfort, and ease of access to services. Timeliness in service delivery, courteous staff interactions, and attention to passenger needs all play significant roles. Therefore, adherence to these standards must be prioritized. Satisfaction is not solely derived from meeting basic expectations but also from providing exceptional experiences. Airlines that consistently uphold high PSSs can differentiate themselves in a competitive market. This differentiation can translate into repeat business and favorable reviews. Ultimately, the alignment of PSS with customer expectations results in a stronger competitive advantage. Satisfied customers are more inclined to recommend airlines to others, further enhancing the reputation and success of the airline industry.

Maintaining high passenger service standards in commercial aircraft presents various significant challenges. Economic downturns often compel airlines to implement cost-cutting measures that directly affect service quality. Reduced staffing levels can result in increased workloads for remaining employees, leading to potential lapses in passenger service. In addition, the rising volume of passengers exacerbates these challenges. As airlines accommodate more travelers, the strain on resources escalates, making it increasingly difficult to provide personalized attention and adequate support during flights. Long wait times and insufficient communication can compromise the overall travel experience.

Consequently, the balance between maintaining high PSS and managing operational constraints requires constant attention. Airlines must continuously adapt and find innovative solutions to meet passenger expectations while remaining financially viable. A significant increase in passenger numbers can lead to congestion at airports and within aircraft. This often results in longer wait times for check-in, security, and boarding processes. Consequently, airlines face pressure to streamline these operations to enhance efficiency while still providing exceptional service to each passenger. Furthermore, increased passenger volume may strain onboard services such as catering, entertainment options, and cabin crew availability. Airlines must invest in resources and training to ensure that staff is well-equipped to handle a larger number of passengers. Adapting to this shift is essential for airlines aiming to uphold their passenger service standards amid growing demand.

Additionally, the rise in passenger volume can intensify competition among airlines, prompting them to differentiate their services. Innovations and improved service offerings become vital for attracting and retaining customers, making it imperative for airlines to continuously evaluate and elevate their passenger service standards. Innovations enhancing passenger service standards are transforming the commercial aviation landscape. One notable area of advancement is technology integration, which facilitates smoother check-in processes, reducing wait times and enhancing overall passenger convenience. Mobile boarding passes and self-service kiosks empower travelers to manage their journeys more independently. Passenger service standards encompass a set of criteria that airlines implement to enhance the passenger experience from booking to arrival.

Moving forward, airlines must prioritize these standards to adapt to evolving customer expectations and maintain competitiveness in the aviation industry. The future of PSS will likely be shaped by innovations and regulatory advancements, ensuring that airlines adapt to changing passenger expectations while prioritizing safety and comfort. Continuous improvement in service delivery will be essential for success in this dynamic environment. Transformation, industry success and sustainability can only be achieved through collaborative efforts. IATA is working to develop and nurture partnerships to strengthen the end-to-end passenger experience by engaging airlines, governments, industry associations and strategic partners at global, regional and local levels, to identify common objectives, and areas to start or bolster existing collaborations.

Source: Bizz Buzz

The Airline Industry in 2024: Trials, Jubilations, and Prospects for 2025

The year 2024 has been a landmark year for the airline industry, marked by a mix of challenges and triumphs that have shaped the trajectory of global air travel. As the sector rebounds from the turbulence of the pandemic years, new innovations and persistent obstacles continue to define its path forward. Here, we explore the highs and lows of the airline industry in 2024 and offer a glimpse into what 2025 may hold for travelers and stakeholders alike.

The Trials of 2024:

Operational Challenges

Pilot Shortages: Despite aggressive hiring campaigns, the industry has struggled to address the lingering pilot shortage exacerbated by mass retirements during the pandemic. Training pipelines, although robust, have been unable to keep pace with demand, leading to operational disruptions.

Rising Fuel Costs: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues pushed jet fuel prices to new heights, squeezing airline profit margins and prompting fare hikes that tested consumer patience.

Regulatory Pressures

Governments around the world intensified their focus on environmental regulations. The European Union’s Fit for 55 initiative, which targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, placed additional costs on carriers operating within its jurisdiction.

Noise pollution regulations in urban hubs like New York and London further complicated flight scheduling and airport operations.

Consumer Confidence and Economic Headwinds

Inflation and economic uncertainty impacted discretionary spending, causing fluctuations in demand for leisure travel. While business travel saw a modest recovery, hybrid work models continued to limit its full resurgence.

The Jubilations of 2024:

Technological Innovations

Sustainable Aviation: The successful rollout of electric regional jets on select routes marked a significant milestone. Airlines like United and EasyJet began operating hybrid-electric aircraft, reducing carbon emissions and proving the viability of sustainable aviation technology.

Supersonic Travel Revival: Boom Supersonic’s Overture aircraft achieved its first successful commercial test flight in early 2024, reigniting dreams of supersonic passenger travel and promising unprecedented connectivity for the global elite.

Passenger Experience Improvements

Airlines invested heavily in improving passenger experiences, with ultra-modern cabins featuring customizable spaces and improved in-flight connectivity becoming the norm.

Innovations like biometric boarding streamlined airport experiences, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.

Market Growth

Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest-growing region for air travel, driven by rising middle-class incomes and a boom in intra-regional tourism. Budget carriers like AirAsia capitalized on this growth, expanding routes and increasing frequency.

Looking Ahead: Prospects for 2025:

As 2025 approaches, the airline industry stands at the cusp of transformative change:

Green Horizons

The industry is expected to make strides in meeting sustainability goals. The adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is likely to expand, supported by government subsidies and increased production capacity.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft are slated for advanced testing phases, signaling a potential revolution in long-haul travel by the 2030s.

AI Integration

Artificial intelligence will play a larger role in predictive maintenance, route optimization, and customer service, enabling airlines to operate more efficiently and deliver tailored experiences.

Economic Recovery and Travel Boom

Analysts predict a strong rebound in leisure travel as global economies stabilize. Mega-events like the Paris 2025 World Expo and the Cricket World Cup in India are expected to drive significant international traffic.

Challenges to Watch

While innovation promises to reshape the industry, challenges such as cyber-security threats, geopolitical uncertainties, and continued workforce shortages remain pertinent.

2024 has been a year of resilience and adaptation for the airline industry. Its ability to navigate complex challenges while embracing technological advancements underscores its enduring relevance in a rapidly changing world. As we look to 2025, the promise of sustainable aviation, enhanced passenger experiences, and robust market growth inspires optimism. For travelers and industry players alike, the skies ahead are filled with opportunity.

Source: Breaking Travel News

Ghana set to be Visa free for Africans from January 2025

What you need to know:

The policy, set to take effect in early 2025, will make Ghana the fifth African country to open its borders to all holders of African passports thus ensuring regional integration.

Ghana is set to become the fifth African country to allow visa-free travel for all Africans, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin. This new policy, approved by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is expected to take effect by early 2025.

This decision is part of Ghana’s broader plan to simplify travel across Africa and strengthen connections between African countries. By introducing visa-free entry for all African nationals, Ghana aims to enhance regional integration and encourage greater collaboration across the continent.

President Akufo-Addo first committed to this policy during his keynote address at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) in January 2024. Speaking under the theme, “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” he emphasised the need for policies that simplify movement and strengthen ties among African nations. He said:

Many of you had to acquire a visa to come to this event. We made a special arrangement for this conference, reducing the visa acquisition fee by 50%, and we were thus able to receive your visa on arrival. The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free for all Africans, for all Africans travelling into our country, and the process has begun to get the policy implemented this year.

This new visa-free policy aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has its headquarters in Ghana’s capital, Accra. AfCFTA’s vision is to create a unified African market by promoting the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent. Albert Muchanga, Ghana’s Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals at AfCFTA, commended this decision, calling it a significant step toward achieving this vision of a single African market.

On December 18, 2024, President Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the policy, and communicated to key ministries the following day, as reported by Asaase News.

Source: The Citizen.

Brussels Airlines Expands Flights to Africa: 10% More Frequencies for Summer 2025

Brussels Airlines will increase its flights to Sub-Saharan Africa during the summer 2025 season, reaching 56 weekly frequencies, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. According to the airline, this expansion will be made possible by the addition of an eleventh long-haul aircraft in June 2025, allowing for the strengthening of several key routes in the region.

Among the main changes, connections to Nairobi (Kenya) and Accra (Ghana) will operate with daily flights. Additionally, Banjul (Gambia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Conakry (Guinea) will have additional frequencies. Meanwhile, Dakar (Senegal) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) will feature more direct flights, eliminating intermediate stops.

The current fleet of Brussels Airlines consists of 10 Airbus A330-300s, 15 A319s, 16 A320s, and 6 A320neos.

Increase in frequencies to Kinshasa

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be one of the main beneficiaries of this expansion. Starting in March 2025, the route will feature daily direct flights. Currently, Kinshasa is connected five times per week with direct flights and twice per week with a stopover in Luanda (Angola). The airline highlights that this change not only enhances passenger comfort but also improves sustainability and reduces potential operational delays.

“Kinshasa is, without a doubt, our flagship route. The history of aviation in Belgium began almost 100 years ago with the ambition to connect Kinshasa and Brussels by air. Enhancing this route to a daily nonstop connection demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines.

Route reconfiguration for Luanda

The airline will cease flights to Luanda starting March 25, 2025, consolidating these connections within the Lufthansa Group.

The German airline will handle the route with three direct weekly flights between Frankfurt and the Angolan capital. Passengers affected by this transition will be rebooked on Lufthansa flights.

Expansion towards the future

In addition to its network in Sub-Saharan Africa, Brussels Airlines maintains two long-haul destinations in the United States: New York (JFK) and Washington DC (IAD). The company plans to expand its long-haul fleet to 13 aircraft by 2027 and introduce a new cabin with improvements in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.

With these changes, Brussels Airlines aims to strengthen its position in the long-haul market, especially in Africa, a region that has been key in the history of Belgian aviation.

According to data obtained by Aviacionline through Cirium, Brussels Airlines ranks 17th among airlines serving the Europe – Africa market, with an offering of 138,000 seats and 487 flights in December.

Source: Aviacionline.

Top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024

Even though Africa represents a small portion of the global air market, it’s a vital link connecting regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The Cairo–Jeddah route claims the top spot with over 5.4 million scheduled seats.

Top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024

Africa’s aviation industry is growing fast, thanks to the rising need for better connections both within the continent and to the rest of the world. Even though Africa represents a small portion of the global air market, it’s a vital link connecting regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

A big part of this growth comes from booming trade, business, and tourism. Some routes have now become extremely busy, reflecting just how connected Africa has become.

According to OAG Aviation’s 2024 Busiest Flight Routes Report, the Cairo–Jeddah route claims the top spot with over 5.4 million scheduled seats. Close behind is the Cairo–Riyadh route, which serves more than 3.1 million seats.

Similarly, the Cairo–Riyadh route follows closely, serving 3,151,116 seats. These routes exemplify Africa’s ability to connect major travel hubs across the Middle East and beyond.

Top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024

These routes highlight Africa’s role as a bridge between major hubs in the Middle East and beyond. The report defines “busiest routes” as those with the most airline seats available in both directions, with data compiled from OAG’s monthly reports throughout the year. This provides a comprehensive view of route performance and emerging trends in international aviation.

Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, EgyptAir, and South African Airways dominate these busy routes. Ethiopian Airlines, for example, has turned Addis Ababa into a top hub, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.

Below are the top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024:

Rank	Route	Route Name	Seats
1	CAI-JED	Cairo – Jeddah	5,469,274
2	CAI-RUH	Cairo – Riyadh	3,151,116
3	CAI-DXB	Cairo – Dubai	1,919,742
4	CAI-MED	Cairo – Madinah	1,844,795
5	CAI-KWI	Cairo – Kuwait	1,709,668
6	ALG-CDG	Algiers – Paris CDG	1,393,359
7	ADD-DXB	Addis Ababa – Dubai	1,177,914
8	ORY-RUN	Paris Orly – St Denis	1,085,706
9	CAI-DOH	Cairo – Doha	1,044,048
10	ALG-ORY	Algiers – Paris Orly	1,021,577

Africa’s growing middle class and improved tourism infrastructure are driving even more demand for air travel. But it’s not all smooth sailing. The sector still faces challenges like high fuel prices, limited intercontinental flights, and tricky regulatory hurdles.

High fuel costs, limited intercontinental routes, and regulatory barriers pose hurdles to seamless growth.

The potential is huge, Africa’s skies are getting busier, and the continent is on its way to becoming a major player in international air travel.

Source: Business Insider

Etihad Airways Launches Nairobi Flights On Airbus A320

UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has resumed flights from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi, increasing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya. The route marks another milestone in the airline’s route expansion in 2024.

Connecting two capitals

While the route was initially scheduled to start in May 2024, Etihad has officially returned to Nairobi this month. The inaugural flight (EY767) was operated on December 15, 2024, with the Airbus A320-200 . The aircraft landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) at 13:40 local time, where it was welcomed with a water cannon salute.

Photo: Etihad Airways

Operating from Etihad’s base at Zayed International Airport (AUH), the service creates a vital connection between the UAE’s capital and one of the key African hubs. Etihad is currently the only airline flying between the two cities. Flights to Nairobi will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays with the following schedule:

Flight	Route	Dep Time	Arr Time
EY767	AUH-NBO	09:05	13:30
EY768	NBO-AUH	18:20	00:20 (+1)

The new route will strengthen ties between the Middle East and East Africa, further supporting tourism between the UAE and Kenya. Speaking about the service, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue Officer Arik De said,

“The introduction of our Nairobi service enhances our growing network while responding to strong travel demand between the UAE and Kenya, as demonstrated by today’s completely full inaugural flight.”

“As both Abu Dhabi and Kenya experience remarkable tourism growth and set ambitious targets for the future, this route creates valuable opportunities for both destinations. The service strengthens the important ties between our regions, supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub while providing enhanced access to Kenya’s thriving tourism market.”

Supporting international tourism

Flying between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi provides a convenient connection between two cities known for their unique attractions. Abu Dhabi features a blend of modern attractions and cultural heritage, including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre. Meanwhile, Nairobi combines its commercial strength with natural wonders, including Nairobi National Park, a wildlife reserve located within the city.

Photo: Etihad Airways

Etihad initially announced its return to Nairobi in October 2023 , with the route expected to kick off on May 1, 2024. However, due to undisclosed reasons, the inaugural flight was canceled, and the route was ultimately postponed. The airline planned to operate daily flights with the A320.

Etihad last served Nairobi in 2021, operating two weekly flights with the Boeing 787-9 . The resumption of Nairobi flights follows Etihad’s successful expansion to Antalya, Bali, Boston, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Mykonos, Nice, Qassim, and Thiruvananthapuram in 2024. Heading into the new year, the airline plans to 13 new destinations in 2025.

According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, over 40 weekly flights are scheduled between Kenya and the UAE, operating from three different Emirates. Kenya Airways and Emirates fly between Dubai and Nairobi, while flydubai operates flights from Dubai to Mombasa and then Air Arabia from Sharjah to Nairobi.

Etihad’s Africa expansion

Africa has seen an uptick in international traffic over the last few years , with many new intercontinental routes and new airlines entering the market. Etihad is among the airlines that are increasing their footprint in Africa. Nairobi is the airline’s fifth destination on the continent after Johannesburg, Casablanca, Cairo, and Mahé.

Photo: Etihad Airways

The carrier will fly to three more African cities in 2025, doubling the number of destinations served throughout most of 2024. It will launch flights to El Alamein (Egypt) from July 17, Tunis (Tunisia) from November 1, and Algiers (Algeria), from November 7.

Flights to El Alamein were announced in October 2024 , while Tunis and Algiers were announced last month as part of the airline’s historic network expansion, which saw ten new routes unveiled in a single day . Etihad currently offers over 40 weekly flights to Africa, increasing to 50 weekly by next summer and 57 weekly by November 2025.

Source: Simple Flying