Fly Dubai makes inaugural direct flight to Mombasa, a boost to tourism

The Flydubai plane that landed at Moi International Airport.

By Farhiya Hussein
Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Excitement ripples through the Coast region of Kenya as the government's "open skies policy" welcomes new international airlines, raising hopes for a significant surge in tourism.

Excitement ripples through the Coast region of Kenya as the government's "open skies policy" welcomes new international airlines, raising hopes for a significant surge in tourism. This policy, aimed at bolstering air connectivity, holds immense promise for the region's vital sector, which has long grappled with limitations in direct flights.

Fly Dubai, the latest airline to be granted permission for direct flights to Mombasa, marked a historic moment with its maiden landing yesterday. Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, who had approved Fly Dubai's request last year, proudly welcomed the inaugural flight, hailing it as "a great milestone for the city of Mombasa and our country."

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Operating four services per week, Fly Dubai joins Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, which already offer direct flights from Dubai and Addis Ababa to Mombasa, respectively. These developments are seen as a game-changer for the region, paving the way for increased tourist arrivals and economic growth.

"Kenya is capable of getting more than 40,000 tourists," declared Tourism and Wildlife Minister Alfred Mutua, outlining the ministry's ambitious plans to attract visitors. "Slowly by slowly, the number will go up. We will come up with ways to attract tourists," he added, highlighting the crucial role improved air connectivity plays in achieving this goal.

Trasport CS Kipchumba Murkomen was among the leaders who witnessed the first Airdubai direct flight to Mombasa.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir expressed his gratitude to the government for implementing the open skies policy. "Something we have discussed with the Tourism Minister and the President," he said, "we are hopeful that more than 10,000 tourists will visit in three months. They are not only coming to visit Mombasa but other coastal counties as well."

Industry stakeholders also echoed their optimism. Sam Ikwaye, Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Coast Executive, emphasized the critical need for improved connectivity, despite past government investments in infrastructure. "Direct flights will catalyze tourism investment in the region," he predicted.

President William Ruto's previous announcement allowing Ethiopian Airlines to operate direct flights to Mombasa twice weekly further underscores the government's commitment to enhancing air accessibility. These initiatives are expected to generate a ripple effect, benefiting not only the tourism sector but also creating employment opportunities for local communities.