AirAsia X Direct Flights to Nairobi poised to boost Kenya’s tourism sector

The new route, which begins on November 15, 2024, will operate four times a week. It marks a pivotal partnership between AAX and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), aimed at increasing passenger traffic between Asia and Africa. Kenya stands to benefit immensely from this collaboration, particularly through the influx of tourists from the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2023, Kenya welcomed over 320,000 visitors from Asia, with India, China, and Japan leading the way in arrivals. The introduction of direct flights is expected to further enhance tourism growth, making Kenya more accessible to travellers from Asia.

"This enhanced connectivity will stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities for local businesses, positioning Kenya as a key destination for global travellers, especially from Asia,” said KTB CEO June Chepkemei.

By offering direct access to Nairobi, AAX is making it easier for tourists from Malaysia and other Asian countries to explore Kenya’s renowned attractions, including its safaris, coastal resorts, and cultural heritage sites. The Asia-Pacific region has long been a crucial source market for Kenya, and this new route is set to strengthen ties between the two regions.

AAX CEO Benyamin Ismail underscored that the flights align with the airline’s broader goal of connecting Asia with Africa.

“This is a major milestone in our mission to link Asia and Africa, opening up a world of travel possibilities between the two continents. The direct route to Nairobi will not only boost tourism in Kenya but also cement Kenya’s role as a key gateway for African tourism,” said Ismail.

The collaboration between AAX and KTB will involve joint marketing campaigns and coordinated efforts to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. Kuala Lumpur, as a major hub, will also provide Kenyan travellers with seamless access to destinations across Asia, including Japan, China, South Korea, and Australia.

To celebrate the launch, AAX is offering special promotional fares. One-way tickets from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur will start at KES 25,788 (USD 199) for Economy, and KES 64,665 (USD 499) for their Premium Flatbed service.