Kenya Airways to resume direct flights to Mogadishu

By Peter Ochieng

National carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) is set to resume its non-stop direct flights to Somalia capital, Mogadishu, after a three-year hiatus.

The resumption takes effect on 14th February, 2024. Kenya Airways temporarily suspended flights to Somalia in August 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While making the announcement, Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at the airline said the move is in line with the growing number of air travel between Kenya and Somalia.

“We are eager about the potential of re-establishing the link between Mogadishu and Nairobi through KQ. Kenya Airways is committed to providing high-quality service for our customers, as we work together to foster trade and investment for sustained growth," he stated.

Upon resumption, the flights will be scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, with fare starting from USD 1050 (Over Sh160,000).

The announcement comes a week after Somalia was admitted to the East Africa Community (EAC), during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania.

Somalia’s entry into the Community is a product of negotiations as directed by the 22nd Extraordinary Summit. It presents an opportunity to the region to further integrate, expanding opportunities to the people.

The move is expected to boost connectivity, enhance trade and accelerate Somalia’s transformation plan. The Somalia coastline — among the longest in Africa — presents massive blue economy resources such as fish to EAC. President William Ruto is among leaders who welcomed Somalia’s admission to EAC.

“Countries must amalgamate to beat divisions that hinder the free flow of people, ideas, goods, services and capital. These needless borders — especially in Africa — constraint economic growth.

Kenya will continue working with partners and other countries in the globe to advance regional integration in the continent. This will improve market efficiency and boost trade and investments in Africa,” he noted.

Somalia becomes EAC’s 8th member state, after Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.