Kenya Airways Launches Direct Nairobi-Gatwick Flights, Strengthening East Africa's Aviation Hub

Kenya Airways’ inauguration of direct flights between Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and London Gatwick marks a significant stride in connecting Kenya with the United Kingdom, presenting exciting new opportunities for African travel agents. This new route expands travel options, strengthens trade ties, and reinforces Kenya’s position as a key aviation hub in East Africa.

The launch event at JKIA was attended by prominent figures including Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board Chairman Caleb Kositany, and Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of this new connection for Kenya’s economy and tourism sector. The Gatwick service is Kenya Airways’ second entry point to the UK, complementing existing daily flights to Heathrow. This increases the airline’s weekly flights to ten, providing travelers with more flexibility and choice, including convenient night flight options.

This development is particularly relevant for travel agents specializing in business travel, tourism, education, and diaspora connections. The increased capacity and convenient schedule are expected to facilitate smoother travel arrangements for clients in these sectors. The route also strengthens Kenya’s role as a major aviation gateway, offering seamless connections to other destinations across East Africa and beyond. This enhanced connectivity is crucial for boosting tourism and trade, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is committed to supporting this growth by continually enhancing JKIA’s infrastructure and capabilities. Recent improvements include a new Aircraft Recovery System, demonstrating KAA’s dedication to maintaining high safety and operational standards. JKIA is also undergoing a major expansion project, including the construction of a new terminal and runway upgrades, to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger and cargo traffic. These developments are expected to further solidify JKIA’s position as a world-class airport and a key driver of Kenya’s economic progress.

The UK remains a crucial market for Kenyan tourism, with over 180,000 UK visitors recorded in 2024, making it Kenya’s largest European source market. This new direct route to Gatwick is expected to further stimulate tourism by providing more convenient and affordable travel options. The increased air connectivity also benefits trade between the two countries, which currently stands at £1.8 billion annually. Key exports from Kenya to the UK include agricultural products like coffee, tea, vegetables, and flowers, while UK exports to Kenya are dominated by manufactured goods and machinery.

The launch of the Nairobi-Gatwick route also intensifies competition in the UK-East Africa air travel market. Kenya Airways now competes directly with airlines such as British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, and Uganda Airlines, all vying for a share of this growing market. This competition is expected to benefit travelers through potentially lower fares and improved service offerings. Kenya Airways’ strategic move to expand its UK network positions it well to capture a larger share of this dynamic market.

The Nairobi-Gatwick route launch is not just a win for Kenya Airways but a significant development for the entire East African travel industry. It opens up new opportunities for travel agents to expand their product offerings and cater to the growing demand for travel between the UK and East Africa. The enhanced connectivity, coupled with ongoing infrastructure improvements at JKIA, reinforces Kenya’s position as a leading aviation hub and a key player in the global travel market.