IndiGo (6E), India's largest carrier, has announced Nairobi (NBO) as its 27th international and 105th overall destination within its network. The airline has begun accepting bookings for daily non-stop flights connecting Mumbai, India's financial capital, to Nairobi, Kenya's largest city. Operations for this route will commence on August 5, 2023. Notably, this will be the first non-stop service offered by an Indian carrier. Air India (AI) currently operates three weekly flights between Delhi (DEL) and Nairobi (NBO) using Boeing 787 aircraft.
IndiGo's expansion into Nairobi marks its entry into the African subcontinent, providing new opportunities for both business and leisure travelers. The addition of this route also represents a significant milestone in IndiGo's international expansion strategy, promoting strengthened strategic ties, trade, and travel routes between India and Kenya, ultimately fostering economic growth. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, expressed his delight regarding the launch, emphasizing the importance of enhancing bilateral ties between the two nations.
Kenya serves as IndiGo's inaugural destination within Sub-Saharan Africa, boasting diverse attractions such as the Savannah, Lakelands, and mountain highlands. Travelers from Nairobi can easily embark on safaris to the renowned Maasai Mara and other national parks and wildlife reserves, providing a wealth of options for tourists. IndiGo remains committed to delivering punctual, affordable, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences to its customers as it continues to expand its network.
The Kenya Tourism Board's Acting CEO, Mr. John Chirchir, expressed excitement about the launch, highlighting the positive impact it will have on attracting more visitors from India. The direct flights between Mumbai and Nairobi will provide seamless connectivity for leisure tourists, business visitors, investors, and Kenya Airways (KQ), the national carrier. Efforts to enhance Kenya's position as a preferred travel destination for Indian tourists include joint marketing and sales campaigns aimed at solidifying Kenya's appeal and attracting a larger number of Indian travelers.
The introduction of daily non-stop flights between Mumbai and Nairobi benefits both business travelers and tourism, promoting cultural exchanges and collaborations across various sectors. This milestone represents a significant moment in the India-Kenya relationship, showcasing the shared commitment of both nations to foster mutually beneficial partnerships for growth and development.