Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has renewed calls for the adoption of an Open Skies policy, arguing that greater international air connectivity is essential to unlocking the county’s economic potential and strengthening its position as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and investment.
Speaking during the Omani Association Conference organised by the Istiqama Muslim Charitable Association with support from the Oman Embassy, Abdulswamad said Mombasa continues to trail neighbouring destinations in attracting direct international flights despite its strategic location in East and Central Africa.
The governor noted that Mombasa serves as the region’s economic gateway through its port and maritime infrastructure, yet receives significantly fewer direct international flights than Zanzibar, one of its key competitors in the Indian Ocean tourism market.
According to Abdulswamad, Zanzibar currently enjoys direct air links to about 35 destinations across 20 countries and handles more than 100 scheduled passenger flights daily.
In comparison, Mombasa is connected to approximately 18 destinations in nine countries and receives about 31 scheduled flights each day.
He said the gap translates into thousands of potential tourists, investors, conference delegates, and business travellers who are unable to reach Mombasa directly and must instead connect through other regional hubs.
The governor argued that expanding direct international air links would increase tourist arrivals, facilitate trade, attract foreign investment, and create jobs for local residents.
“An Open Skies policy is not simply an aviation issue, it is an economic necessity. Every additional direct flight creates opportunities for business growth, tourism and job creation,” he said.
He added that Mombasa’s ambition to become a leading Blue Economy, logistics, and tourism hub in the Western Indian Ocean region depends on stronger air connectivity with destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Abdulswamad also revealed that the county government is exploring the possibility of establishing a direct flight connection between Oman and Mombasa to make travel easier for tourists, investors, and business travellers.
He noted that many visitors from Oman currently have to transit through cities such as Dubai or Addis Ababa before reaching Mombasa, a situation he said discourages travel and limits economic opportunities.
The governor said discussions on improving air connectivity with Oman would continue as part of broader efforts to position Mombasa as a more accessible international destination.
He also thanked Omani partners for their cooperation with Mombasa over the past 25 years and called for deeper collaboration in economic development, cultural exchange, and investment.
Abdulswamad expressed optimism that stronger ties between Mombasa and Oman would help boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections between the two regions.
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