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This positions the airline in a competitive landscape, alongside Uganda Airlines and Ethiopian Airways, which currently serve Mogadishu via their respective hubs
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has re-launched direct flight services to Mogadishu, Somalia, a strategic move set to enhance regional connectivity and foster development.
This positions KQ in a competitive landscape, alongside Uganda Airlines and Ethiopian Airways, which currently serve Mogadishu via their respective hubs.
Commencing operations with three weekly flights, KQ aims to underscore the benefits of direct routes, notably reduced travel durations and enhanced access between Nairobi and Mogadishu.
This service, initially launched in December 2018, was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but has been reinstated following a bilateral air services agreement signed between Kenya and Somalia in August 2023.
KQ Group CEO Allan Kilavuka raised concerns over the rigorous screening processes faced by passengers traveling to and from Somalia, advocating for more respectful security measures.
“There’s a noticeable discomfort among Somali travelers due to the scrutiny at the airport. We urge for a more considerate treatment to maintain Nairobi as a preferred transit hub,” Kilavuka said.
Furthering its commitment to regional trade, KQ will also introduce its newly acquired Boeing 737 Freighter for cargo services, planning to double the frequency of cargo flights by April 2024. This expansion is part of the airline’s strategy to support the growing trade demands between Kenya and Somalia.
Addressing operational challenges, Kenya’s Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged the need for a balanced approach between revenue collection and passenger convenience.
“We are dedicated to refining our operations with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to ensure revenue enhancement does not impede passenger experience,” Murkomen stated, signaling a collaborative effort to improve service delivery at the airport.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reassured travelers of the safety at Aden Abdulle International Airport, affirming its status as one of Africa’s most secure airports. “I can confidently assert the safety of Mogadishu’s airport, having personally visited multiple times,” Duale commented, aiming to boost confidence in the Nairobi-Mogadishu route.
Currently, Kenya Airways, a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, flies to 41 international destinations in 35 countries, as of February 20241.
