In a significant move to strengthen travel and trade ties between East Africa and the United Kingdom, Kenya Airways (KQ) has officially launched direct flights connecting Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to Gatwick Airport in London.
The new route, which commenced operations on Sunday, June 23, 2024, positions Kenya Airways as the only airline offering non-stop service between East Africa and London Gatwick, the second-busiest airport in the UK. This strategic addition marks a milestone in KQ’s European expansion, designed to accommodate growing demand from both business and leisure travelers.
According to Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, the direct Gatwick flights are not only a response to increased passenger traffic but also a key component in enhancing connectivity for trade, tourism, and cargo services between the two regions.
“The launch of this route is a reflection of our continued efforts to expand our network and respond to market needs,” said Kilavuka. “It will boost access between Africa and Europe and support growing demand from the diaspora, tourists, and corporate travelers.”
The new service will operate three times a week — every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday — aboard the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its comfort, fuel efficiency, and long-range capability.
This new route adds to Kenya Airways’ existing daily flights to London Heathrow, giving passengers more flexibility and more options when flying to the UK. It also opens up a strategic gateway for travelers accessing the southern and western regions of the United Kingdom, as Gatwick’s location in South London is well connected to regional and international transport networks.
In addition to boosting passenger traffic, the route is expected to play a major role in enhancing cargo transport, particularly for Kenyan exports such as flowers, fresh produce, and tea.
With this move, Kenya Airways continues to assert itself as a key aviation player on the continent, deepening its commitment to making Africa accessible to the world — and the world accessible to Africa.
