Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Mombasa after five-year hiatus
The resumption will see Turkish Airlines operate three weekly flights, each with an eight-tonne belly cargo capacity, a move expected to strengthen coastal exports and promote business growth in the region.
Turkish Airlines has officially resumed its flights to Moi International Airport in Mombasa after a five-year suspension, marking a significant boost for tourism and trade along Kenya’s coast.
The airline’s Boeing 737 aircraft touched down with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolising renewed air connectivity between Mombasa and Istanbul. The resumption will see Turkish Airlines operate three weekly flights, each with an eight-tonne belly cargo capacity, a move expected to strengthen coastal exports and promote business growth in the region.
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The airline now joins Uganda Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Fly Dubai among the scheduled international carriers operating to and from Mombasa.
In addition to Turkish Airlines, Moi International Airport continues to receive several European charter flights, including Condor, Neos Air, Discover Airlines, Enter Air, Smartwings, TUI Fly, HiSky, and Electra Airlines, which connect Mombasa to major cities across Europe.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Mohamed Osman, welcomed the return of the flights, noting that the renewed connection would enhance the city’s visibility on the global tourism map.
“Mombasa takes to the skies again with Turkish Airlines. This renewed connection marks another milestone in boosting tourism, culture, and trade opportunities for our beautiful coastal city,” Mohamed said.
However, tourism stakeholders have voiced concerns over the limited frequency and capacity of the flights. Former Kenya Tourism Federation chairman and Pollman Tours and Safaris director, Mohamed Hersi, said that while the return of Turkish Airlines was commendable, the restrictions placed on the route could hinder the expected growth in tourist numbers.
“It is long overdue, and we are happy that our government approved Turkish Airlines’ return to Mombasa. But there is one big challenge: the flights are limited to only three a week and capped at 150 seats. This means the airline can only operate small aircraft, bringing in fewer passengers,” Hersi said.
He criticised the government for what he termed an imbalance in flight approvals, noting that carriers flying into Nairobi, such as Emirates, are allowed up to three flights per day, while Mombasa receives far fewer.
“How will Kenya attract five million tourists when we are limiting the number of seats flying into our coastal destinations?” he questioned.
He added, “While we celebrate this milestone, the government must allow daily flights and remove the seat cap if we are to see real benefits.”
Hersi added that Turkish Airlines connects travellers to more than 130 countries and 325 cities globally, making it a crucial link for Kenya’s tourism and trade sectors. He further emphasised that increased flights to Mombasa would not only benefit the coastal region but also support nearby tourism circuits, including Tsavo in Taita Taveta County, Amboseli in Kajiado County, and the Maasai Mara in Narok County.
He urged policymakers to review existing restrictions to ensure Mombasa remains competitive as a leading tourism and business hub.
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