Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, inaugurated its operations to Mombasa in Kenya on 17 January.
With the start of the four-times weekly service to Mombasa, flydubai grows its network in Africa to 12 destinations in 11 countries.
The inaugural flight FZ 1289 from Dubai International (DXB) was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute upon landing at Moi International Airport (MBA).
Among those present at the airport to welcome the flight included Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Cabinet secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen Tourism and Wildlife cabinet secretary Dr Alfred Mutua , as well as representatives from Kenya Airport, welcomed the passengers and Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, who were on the first flight.
With the start of flights to Mombasa, flydubai becomes the first national carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai to the coastal city in southeast Kenya.
Speaking during a press conference, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, said: “flydubai’s inaugural flight to Mombasa reflects our commitment to further strengthening our network in Africa and to providing our passengers with more options for convenient travel to one of East Africa’s most attractive destinations."
Adding "The start of operations will serve the growing Kenyan community in the UAE, support trade between our two countries and provide passengers from the UAE and from across the growing flydubai network with access to a gateway to explore the tourism offering in Kenya.”
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the move saying it is monumental for Kenya's aviation industry.
"The launch of this route is monumental for Kenya’s aviation sector and the people of the Coast region since it will increase tourist arrivals to Mombasa from across flyDubai networks leading to the growth of the hospitality and tourism sector, creation of jobs directly and indirectly, and the revitalisation of the economies of the City of Mombasa and the region at large." said Murkomen.
Adding "As a Ministry, we will continue to capitalise on the visa-free policy initiated by H.E. the President, to encourage more partnerships with key players in the aviation sector and engage in mutually beneficial discussions that will result in increased tourist arrivals, job creation and overall growth of the country’s economy."
On his part, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir said his ky for the adoption of the open skies policy by the government is finally baring fruits.
"This inception comes after years of my vigorous campaign to realize the implementation of an Open Skies policy permitting more direct flights into Mombasa with the support of various stakeholders in tourism in the Coast region." said Nassir.
Adding "It is our belief that this ease of travel with result in a boom in tourist numbers that shall grow our micro-economy in Mombasa."
flydubai has built a network of 123 destinations in 54 countries served by a young fleet of 84 Boeing 737 aircraft. flydubai has added Cairo, Krabi, Milan, Pattaya and Poznań to its network in 2023 and will start its daily services to Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia on 10 February 2024.
flydubai’s network in Africa includes Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, Mombasa and Zanzibar.
Flights to Moi International Airport (MBA) will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB). Emirates will codeshare on this route, offering passengers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.
Return Business Class fares from DXB to MBA start from AED 4,200 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,600. Return Business Class fares from MBA to DXB start from USD 1,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD 500.
