Kenya Airways (KQ) has officially launched direct flights to London Gatwick Airport, marking a significant expansion of its UK operations. The inaugural flight departed from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the evening of Wednesday, July 2.
The launch event was attended by top government officials and aviation leaders, including Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Chairman Caleb Kositany, Aviation Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, and British Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Chairman Brown Ondego and KAA Managing Director Mohamud Gedi were also present at the ceremony, which marked a major milestone in the national carrier’s international expansion strategy.
“We have officially launched direct flights to London Gatwick, expanding our UK service to 10 weekly flights,” KQ announced. “This new route strengthens connectivity, boosts trade and tourism, and offers greater choice for our customers.”
Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka emphasized that the new route goes beyond aviation logistics, serving as a bridge for economic growth and international collaboration.
“Our new Gatwick route isn’t just about flights. It’s about growth, trade, and deeper global connections,” said Kilavuka.
The Gatwick route becomes KQ’s second UK destination after London Heathrow, providing more flexibility for travelers and businesses. The airline will now operate ten flights per week between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
“This new Gatwick service is KQ’s second UK entry point, raising weekly UK flights to 10 and offering convenient night travel options. It’s a vital link for trade, tourism, education, and diaspora engagement,” stated the Kenya Airports Authority.
The launch of the new route follows a bilateral agreement between President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which included a plan to add six additional weekly KQ flights between Nairobi and London.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the expansion is aimed at addressing long-standing cargo and passenger capacity challenges between the two countries.
“In a strong demonstration of economic and people-to-people ties, Kenya and the UK have agreed to an additional six weekly Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and London, starting this week,” Mohamed said. “This expansion signals the deepening commercial and tourism links between the two nations.”
With the new route, Kenya Airways is not only enhancing air travel access but also reinforcing Kenya’s position as a regional hub for international business and tourism.
