KTB lobbies for return of UK-Mombasa direct flights

The government has entered into talks with the United Kingdom over the possibility of having direct commercial flights from the UK to Mombasa.

This follows a request by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) as it seeks to boost tourism activity in the country.

At the height of terror activities in the country in 2013, the UK government issued a travel advisory against Kenya with a number of chartered airlines pulling out of the route.

Speaking in Mombasa, KTB Chairman Jimi Kariuki said this had affected tourism at the coast with a major slump in tourist arrivals.

“Whereas the direct route between London and Nairobi is well serviced by Kenya Airways and British Airways, our coastal destinations are not and therefore there is an urgent need for the launch of direct flights from the UK to the Kenyan coast,” Mr Kariuki said.

Since 2014, there has been massive cancellation of travel bookings to the region by international travelers, mainly from the UK and European markets.

The UK is Kenya’s second leading international tourism source market after the United States with 88,390 tourists visiting Kenya last year.

The decision by the UK to withdraw from the European Union is also expected to affect long haul flights in future.

KTB however views this with optimism arguing it presents a unique opportunity for the country to re negotiate both trade and travel agreements.

“Brexit presents opportunities for both the UK and for Kenya when the time comes for both Governments to negotiate bilateral trade deals. The current Visa requirements for nationals of the two countries wishing to travel for leisure or business purposes can be eased to allow for short stay visits, up to 30 days, without the need for a Visa,” he said.

Reporting by Brenda Nyamichabaa