Turkish Airlines has resumed direct flights to Mombasa after a five-year break.
In a statement on Monday, October 27, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed the development, celebrating it as a proud moment for the country’s aviation industry.
"Turkish Airlines officially resumes flights to Moi Intl. Airport, Mombasa after a 5-year break. The Boeing 737 landed at 0420 hrs & was welcomed with a water cannon salute - a proud moment for renewed Mombasa-Istanbul air connectivity," the statement read.
According to KAA, the airline will operate three weekly flights, offering not only passenger services but also cargo.
"Turkish Airlines will operate 3 weekly flights, with 8 tons belly cargo capacity, boosting coastal trade and exports. Turkish Airlines now joins Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai and Uganda Airlines among scheduled international carriers flying to/from Mombasa," the statement added.
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KAA also acknowledged the role of charter flights in maintaining a steady flow of tourists to the coastal city.
"Moi International Airport also welcomes charters like Condor, Neos Air, Discover Airlines, Enter Air, Smartwings, TUI Fly, HiSky & Electra Airlines connecting Mombasa to Europe. Dignitaries at the welcome event included Subutay Yüksel, Ambassador of Turkey; Hon. Caleb Kositany, KAA Chairman; and top KAA & Turkish Airlines officials," the statement concluded.
This comes two weeks after Fly Dubai launched direct flights between Dubai and Nairobi in a move that has been described as a significant boost to air connectivity between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a statement on Wednesday, October 15, KAA confirmed the new service and detailed the carrier’s expansion within the Kenyan market.
"Fly Dubai has launched a new direct service from Dubai to Nairobi, operating 4 times weekly, & increased its Mombasa route to daily flights. The carrier’s expansion brings its total weekly services to Kenya to 11, reinforcing air links between the UAE & Kenya," the statement read.
KAA said the new Nairobi route was officially inaugurated at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during a colourful ceremony attended by aviation and government officials.
"The Nairobi service debuted this evening during a colourful reception ceremony held at JKIA. The added capacity is expected to boost tourism, business travel & air cargo flows, supporting Kenya’s economic recovery & trade ties with the Gulf," the statement added.
The authority noted that Fly Dubai’s expansion comes amid a wave of new airlines choosing to operate at JKIA in 2025.
"Fly Dubai’s move follows a wave of new connections to JKIA in 2025, with Gulf Air, Flight Link, Salam Air, TAAG Angola and Flynas also launching services this year. The market is signaling strong confidence in Kenya’s growth potential," the statement further read.
According to KAA, the new route fits within Kenya’s broader vision of strengthening its status as a regional aviation hub.
"Strategically, the expanded schedule aligns with Kenya’s national objectives to deepen global connectivity, attract investment & strengthen its role as an East African hub for trade and tourism," the statement concluded.
