Kenya Airways resumes direct flights to Maputo after five-year hiatus

Kenya Airways (KQ) has officially resumed its direct flights between Nairobi and the Mozambican capital, Maputo, after a five-year hiatus.

The relaunch took place on Wednesday and marks the airline's 45th destination. The flights will operate three times weekly, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, providing a crucial link for travelers from Kenya and other African cities via Nairobi.

Kenya Airways said the relaunch of direct flights to Maputo from Nairobi will cater to travellers originating from Kenya and serves as a convenient connection point for passengers from other African cities via Nairobi.

Airlines Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka said the expansion will enable Kenya Airways to enhance intra-Africa connectivity, which is a key driver of economic growth, trading opportunities, and business expansions among local and inter-continental economies.

He noted that the new route complements KQ's existing service to Nampula, Mozambique, further solidifying its regional presence.

“Today's launch is a tangible testament to KQ's remarkable progress and the exciting future ahead. As we unveil our 45th destination -Maputo – we mark a major milestone in our network expansion journey,” Kilavuka said.

He added that beyond Maputo, the expansion complements the airline's broader network strategy for 2024, which also boasts increased frequencies to popular destinations like New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown.

“Aviation is critical to boosting national GDPs by creating jobs and fostering economic activity. The increased intra-African travel will act as a catalyst for economic development across the continent. Our passion lies in fostering connections across the continent, making trade and travel between our nations more accessible than ever before,” he said.

Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu emphasised that KQ's expansion is linked to its mission of propelling Africa's prosperity by connecting its people, markets and cultures.

“The demand for air travel is soaring, and we're determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa's rich cultures and thriving economies. Maputo to our network strengthens ties between Kenya and Mozambique, opening doors for increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he said.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Chairman Caleb Kositany lauded the airline for summing the flights noting that will boost socio-economic developments.

“This is a significant step towards bolstering our regional connections and fostering economic growth. We are thrilled to see Kenya Airways expanding its horizons. This flight will facilitate greater movement of people and goods, creating new opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation between Mozambique and Kenya, as well as other parts of East Africa,” he said.

Airlines Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka. (X/KQ)

The Maputo International Airport also welcomed the move, noting that the direct connection by Kenya Airways will allow for a more efficient flow of goods between Nairobi and Maputo, “reducing logistical costs” and transport time.

“Mozambican companies will have faster access to international markets, strengthening supply chains and increasing competitiveness,” the airline said.

It added that the connection will also promote Mozambique’s tourism potential. “The direct flight will facilitate the arrival of tourists from Kenya and other destinations connected by Nairobi, promoting Mozambique as an attractive tourist destination.”

In August 2020, Kenya Airways announced the suspension of flights to Maputo, as part of restructuring its routes in the post-Covid-19 pandemic period, which also included the interruption of connections to Luanda, the capital of Angola.