The Moi International Airport in Mombasa was on Tuesday Morning abuzz with excitement as the airport welcomed back TUI Fly to Mombasa.

The airline made its maiden flight to the port city of Mombasa after a 6-year hiatus, renewing the hopes of reviving the vibrancy of the airport to welcome international flights.

The charter plane landed in Mombasa carrying on board 70 Dutch tourists who are set to explore and enjoy the flora and fauna of the coast.

Speaking during the event to welcome the plane, Coast regional Airport manager Abel Gogo said that this will be a great addition to the airport and he hopes for more direct flights to Mombasa in the near future.

"This has been made possible through the efforts of both the national government and the county government of Mombasa together with stakeholders. We have a lot of potential as an airport, the county and the country,” said Gogo.

The airline is set to be operating twice a week from Amsterdam and is expected to bring more travel opportunities and enhancing connections between Kenya and Europe.

Mombasa County executive for tourism Osman Mohamed who was representing Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and the County Government of Mombasa lauded the return of the airline noting that the county has been very instrumental in pushing for the open skies policy in Mombasa.

“Mombasa has been on the frontline pushing for open skies to policy so that we can have more direct flights. The tourism season has just started and we hope and look forward to receive more visitors,” said Osman.

His sentiments were echoed by Patrick Kamanga, a member of the newly formed Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC) who alluded to a lot of planning and reaching out that has today culminated with the return of TUI Fly to Mombasa.

Kamanga also said that they were working round the clock with tourism stakeholders and the national government to realize the return of the Turkish Airline back to Mombasa soon.

"We want to have Mombasa rebounded back, hotels full and tour operators busy. We look forward to rebound Mombasa back to its glory,” said Kamanga.

Captain Robbert Gijsbertse representing TUI Fly said that the airline believes in Kenya with Mombasa as its arrival airport and as a growth destination for the Dutch market.

Kenya, he said, guarantees adventure and relaxation with magnificent game parks, beautiful beaches and excellent hotels.

"You combine the big five with the good life. This is a unique combination that has the opportunity to grow,” he said.

He added that now that they can be able to serve this destination with their 787 aircraft, it is a true milestone for the company.

"The first flight is an important step in the right direction. We are looking forward to a constructive cooperation which we can make of most of the potential in this new destination not only in terms of package holiday, but in terms of seat only and cargo.”