Kenya Airways Launches Direct Nairobi–Gatwick Flights, Expanding London Connectivity to 10 Weekly Trips

Kenya Airways (KQ) has officially expanded its UK footprint by launching direct flights between Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW), adding a second nonstop gateway to the United Kingdom alongside its existing Heathrow service.

Starting 2nd July 2025, the new Nairobi–Gatwick route marks a major milestone in Kenya Airways’ ongoing network growth strategy, offering passengers more flexibility and boosting the airline’s London frequency to 10 flights per week.

The inaugural flight, KQ 108, departed Nairobi at 23:45 EAT, symbolizing a new era of enhanced connectivity for travelers, businesses, and the broader tourism industry. Operating at night, the new service runs three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays complementing the current Heathrow flights and giving KQ customers two nonstop options into London.

Speaking during the launch event, Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, said: “This inaugural Gatwick flight is not just another destination on our map — it’s a significant step in opening doors for trade, education, tourism, and strengthening the vital link between Kenya and the UK.”

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Ms. Rebecca Miano, praised the launch, emphasizing its impact on Kenya’s visitor numbers and the wider economy: “These developments deliver tangible benefits to our hoteliers, tour operators, and entrepreneurs. They create employment, generate income, and diversify our tourism economy. Importantly, they strengthen the Kenya-UK Economic Partnership Agreement by boosting the movement of people, goods, and investments.”

Permanent Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ms. Teresia Mbaika, highlighted the aviation sector’s impact on Kenya’s economy: “A recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) report shows aviation contributes Ksh 425 billion to our GDP, representing 3.1% of the economy and supporting 460,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Kenya Airways is central to this success driving exports, investments, business linkages, and tourism through seamless connections to global destinations.”

Representing the UK government, Ed Barnett MBE, Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission, welcomed the route’s launch, saying: “This new direct service to Gatwick strengthens our bilateral ties, creates economic opportunities, and makes it easier for people to travel, study, and do business between the UK and Kenya. It’s a fantastic boost for our enduring partnership.”

Gatwick Airport, located roughly 47.5 kilometers south of Central London, offers an additional convenient entry point for travelers from London’s southeast and south regions. Passengers flying Kenya Airways’ new Gatwick service will benefit from easy connections via Nairobi to KQ’s vast African and international network positioning Nairobi’s JKIA as a strategic hub for multi-destination travel.

Flight Schedule for Nairobi–Gatwick Route (KQ 108/109):

Passengers can book flights on the new route via the official Kenya Airways website (www.kenya-airways.com), through accredited travel agents, or online travel agencies (OTAs).

This new Gatwick route is expected to spur tourism, trade, and investment between Kenya and the UK, strengthen diplomatic ties under the Kenya-UK Economic Partnership Agreement, and offer Kenyan exporters a vital link for goods destined for the European market.

With 10 weekly flights to London split between Heathrow and Gatwick. Kenya Airways now offers unmatched choice and convenience for leisure and business travelers alike. The airline continues to position Nairobi as East Africa’s premier aviation hub and a gateway to the continent.