Kenya Airways launches direct flights to Somalia

Kenya Airways chief executive Sebastian Mikosz. [Photo: Courtesy]

Kenya Airways on Tuesday launched direct flights to Somalia’s capital Mogadishu from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

KQ’s Chief Executive, Sebastian Mikosz said, “I’m very happy that we started this route! I believe that we’ll quickly increase our presence in Mogadishu.”

Mikosz observed that the new route will ease travel for thousands of Somalis who live in Kenya as well as those from the diaspora traveling to their native country.

Kenya airways had halted plans of direct flights to Mogadishu that was expected to begin on December 5, for the second time.

The airline through a statement, said that the decision was arrived at due to delays in getting additional airline well as operational requirements.

In March 2017, Kenya signed trade agreement with Somali by stating plans of opening two border posts and re-launching of direct flights from Nairobi to Mogadishu to help facilitate movement of people and goods in its quest to expand mark to the Horn of Africa.

Since more than 18,000 Somaliland citizens live in Kenya, the move is expected to trigger more trading with the nation as more trickle in using the flight.

So far, Ethiopia Airlines provide two direct flights to Somaliland between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa.