India’s IndiGo airline launched its inaugural daily flight from Mumbai to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) last Saturday, a schedule introduction designed to grow India’s trade and travel in the East African market.
Nairobi now becomes the airline's 27th international and 105th overall destination.
"The launch of this direct flight between Mumbai and Nairobi marks a pivotal milestone in the long-standing friendship between our two great nations," Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, Peninah Malonza, said during the reception ceremony at the JKIA.
"This strategic air link will foster increased business collaboration, cultural exchange, and tourism opportunities, serving as a bridge to bring our countries even closer together," she said.
India contributes immensely to the growth of Kenya's tourism industry, with arrivals from the South Asian nation having grown 93% to 81 458 in 2022 from 42 159 in 2021.
The country is still recovering from its business and passenger arrivals from that region which numbered 120 893 before Covid-19 hit.
"As part of our aviation development policy, we aim to create a more accessible and efficient air travel network within Kenya and beyond," Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, said.
