Budget airline Jambojet has officially launched a new direct route from Mombasa to Zanzibar .

The airline will now fly four times a week between the two destinations.

The inaugural flight departed from Mombasa, Moi International Airport (MBA/HKMO) and arrived in Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), marked by a celebration attended by officials from the Embassy of Kenya to Tanzania, Government representatives of Tanzania & Kenya, and executives of Jambojet among others.

Starting immediately, Jambojet will operate flights on this route four times a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Flights will depart Mombasa at 5:10 PM and arrive in Zanzibar at 6:05 PM, with a flight duration of 55 minutes.

Speaking during the launch, Jambojet Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Karanja Ndegwa said this is a milestone for the airline which will open the two tourism cities of Mombasa and Zanzibar.

"This is our first international route from Mombasa and we are hoping to have many more. For us we are excited and we will continue working on growing Mombasa as our second hub after Nairobi." said Ndegwa.

"Our return flight fare is kshs  24,400. Ours is to make sure that every city is taking care of. For now we are starting at four flights a week but our intention is to have daily flights."

Using De Havilland Dash 8 400 aircraft capable of carrying 78 to 82 passengers, Jambojet completes the Zanzibar-Mombasa journey in under an hour, facilitating convenient connections to Nairobi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Milan, and other destinations.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to start more international routes from the port city.

Nassir argued that the Moi International airport has been under utilised on international routes.

Nassir noted"I strongly believe that we have alot of untapped capacities, this airport has been under utilized when it comes to international airport."

Adding "I just want to equally state that one of the major foreigners coming to Kenya are Tanzanians so the market is there"

On his part Tanzanian High Commissioner to Kenya, Bernard Kibese commended Jambojet applauded the airline for the move.

"Mine is to  thank Jambojet for inaugurating the first trip to Zanzibar and for choosing Zanzibar as their preferred destination."

Coast Regional Airport Manager at the Kenya Airports Authority, Abel Gogo noted We are extremely excited to witness the launch of Jambojet's Mombasa-Zanzibar route. This adds to our portfolio of international routes and we hope for continued growth and operations."

The Jambojet flight from Zanzibar to Mombasa is part of its marketing expansion strategy in the East African region

“Our economy largely depends on tourism, which cannot grow without expanding key sectors like aviation. Jambojet's new route will significantly contribute to boosting tourism on the islands," said Mudrik Ramadhan Soragha, Zanzibar Minister of Tourism and Heritage.

"On behalf of the Kenyan government, I am delighted to be part of today's launch of this new route operated by our airline, Jambojet, from Zanzibar to Mombasa. This step is crucial not only in facilitating quick and affordable air travel but also in strengthening commercial, tourist, and cultural ties between Tanzania and Kenya. By enhancing connectivity, we are fostering development along the East African coast," said Issac Njenga, Kenya's Ambassador to Tanzania

Established in 2014 as a part of Kenya Airways (KQ), Jambojet has served over 7.5 million passengers, attracting 44% of first-time flyers and now holds more than 54% of domestic air travel market share in Kenya. The airline also flies to Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Lamu, Malindi, Diani, and Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)