AirAsia makes inaugural flight to Nairobi

By Peter Ochieng

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi was beehive of activities on Friday night, as AirAsia’s inaugural flight touched down at the busy airport.

The plane left Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 7pm, and touched down at the airport around 11pm, with 377 passengers on board.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism and Wildlife Rebbecca Miano said the maiden trip opens a new chapter in Kenya’s tourism and aviation experience.

“Air Asia’s entry into Kenya has been a long-awaited development. The fact AirAsia has chosen Nairobi as their first destination in Africa, speaks of Magical Kenya's potential not just as a safari destination, but also a business and investment hub,” said the CS.

“It is a direct input to our tourism, economy and businesses. We want to thank AirAsia for the mark of confidence they have extended to fly to Nairobi, and this affirms that Nairobi is really the gateway to East Africa,” she added.

The CS said aboard the plane were passengers from China, Japan, Singapore, Philippines and Australia. “This particular route opens the whole of pacific Asia and we are grateful that this has happened.”

Loh Seck Tiong, Malaysia ambassador to Kenya said the direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi and vice versa will greatly boost the economies of both countries.

“The AirAsia direct flights will really increase the number of tourists, students, businessmen travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi, which will definitely boost the tourism sectors and economies of both countries.”

One of the travellers said minus the direct flight which took about five hours, he would have needed 19 hours of connecting flights to travel from the Malaysian capital to Nairobi.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) in a statement said the new route not only opens up travel opportunities, but also strengthens ties between the two nations, promoting tourism and economic growth.

AirAsia’s presence at JKIA is expected to attract more visitors eager to explore Kenya’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.