Kenya Airways Adding Four New Destinations in 2024

Kenya Airways’ network spans three domestic and 42 international destinations across 36 countries as of February 2024. The Kenya national airline aims to strengthen its network to 46 by the end of 2024. This was revealed by the airline’s Head of Network and Alliances Martin Gitonga, in an interview podcast on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, conducted by AviaDev Africa.

Notable among these developments is the initiation of thrice-weekly flights to Mogadishu, Somalia, slated to commence on February 15. It’s worth noting that Kenya Airways Cargo expanded its route network to enable cargo flights between Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Mogadishu, Somalia, beginning Feb. 8, 2024. The cargo service intends to augment its frequency to two flights weekly by April 2024.

“So we are actually going to grow from our current 42 destinations. We are looking at closing 2024 at 46 destinations. Right now live Mogadishu Somalia, which from 15th of February this month we will start three weekly flights and that’s on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays flying directly and connecting the youngest East Africa community country to Kenya,” Gitonga added during the podcast.

Furthermore, Gitonga announced the anticipated relaunch of flights to Maputo, Mozambique, on June 15, marking the airline’s second destination in the Mozambican market. Currently offering three weekly flights to Nampula, Kenya Airways aims to expand operations to daily flights in response to growing demand.

An “Africa First” Network Strategy

Central to Kenya Airways’ strategy is its “Africa first” policy, focused on bolstering intracontinental connectivity and driving economic growth across the region. Gitonga emphasized plans to enhance frequency and capacity on key African routes, including the introduction of Boeing 787 operations four times a week to Accra and Freetown, Sierra Leone, effective in May. Notably, this move comes amidst increasing competition, as Ethiopian Airlines also announces its expansion into the intra-African market with the introduction of service to Freetown, commencing May 31, 2024, with three weekly flights.

For Kenya Airways, plans are also underway to enhance connectivity from Accra to Dakar, with the SkyTeam Alliance airline set to increase services from twice weekly to three times a week from June onwards.

Lagos emerges as another significant focal point for Kenya Airways’ expansion strategy, as highlighted by Martin Gitonga. The city’s burgeoning demand and the gradual improvement in challenges related to fund repatriation, buoyed by state support, underscore its importance as a key destination. Gitonga revealed plans to ramp up flight frequency from current daily to 10 times a week. Additionally, Kenya Airways will deploy its flagship aircraft, the Boeing 787, particularly on night rotations.

With these initiatives, Kenya Airways anticipates substantial growth during the summer season, solidifying its position as a leading carrier in the region.

Meanwhile, as the world anticipates major global events, Kenya Airways stands to capitalize on opportunities for expansion and increased visibility. Gitonga highlighted the airline’s readiness for the Paris Olympics, with plans to scale up operations to nine times a week during the event, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

Moreover, discussions on potential expansions in bilateral agreements signal Kenya Airways’ intent to strengthen its position as a premier carrier for transatlantic travel, leveraging strategic partnerships with U.S. industry players like Delta and JetBlue.

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Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

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