Charter airline starts direct flights to Mombasa

German leisure carrier Condor has launched direct flights from Munich to the coastal city of Mombasa.

The carrier will operate weekly flights to the Mombasa international Airport. The first flight landed at the airport at5:30 am on Wednesday ferrying 100 holiday makers.

Kenya Airports Authority Ag Manager for Mombasa Danson Mwangi said the direct flights provide the airport with another destination for European travel and opens up the coastal region to German tourists.

“This is the beginning of a bright future as the tourism sector once again begins to blossom. Mombasa is a competitive tourist destination, and Moi International Airport provides an excellent entry point for the coastal cities of Kenya and the East African Region,” Mr Mwangi said.

Germany has for years been a key source market for tourists to Kenya, with the direct flights seen as a major boost to the tourism industry.

The ministry of tourism last year announced a waiver for charter flights coming to the Mombasa airport in a bid to spur more travel to the region. For the next two year, charter flights with 80 percent of its passengers terminating their journey in Mombasa or Malindi will have their landing fees waived.

The government has also waived visa fees for children under the age of 16 years to encourage family travel to Kenya.

Condor Airline is already operating another flight directly from Frankfurt to Moi International Airport twice weekly on Monday and Friday, terminating in Zanzibar.