First domestic flight KQ 602 departs for Mombasa at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi on Wednesday/Photo: KAA

Passenger flights resume at Kenyan airports

Kenyan airlines resumed domestic passenger flights on Wednesday after a break of more than three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenya Airways, and its sister carriers, Jambojet, Safari Link and Fly 540, were among local airlines that resumed operations following the lifting of the restriction of movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa counties last week.

Kenya Airways said it would fly two times daily to the coastal city of Mombasa and once daily to the lakeside city of Kisumu as it continues to review the option of increasing frequencies as demand picks.

Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways CEO, said that the airline’s utmost priority continues to be the health and safety of the passengers, crew and staff.

“I want to thank our customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them and for trusting us to get them to their different destinations safely.

“A special mention to our staff for their outstanding contribution in ensuring that our customers continue to be reunited with their loved ones across our network,’’ Kilavuka said.

“As we prepare to operate under exceptional circumstances, we look forward to welcoming more of our guests onboard and we remain committed to offering world-class service with a delightful African touch.’’

Kilavuka said the airline, which made its return with a flight to the coastal city of Mombasa, has been working closely with the government through the Ministry of Health and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).

The ministry and KAA had been working hard to implement a wide range of safety measures and protocols as they gear up for the resumption of passenger services.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said the opening up of the country and resumption of domestic flights will contribute towards the recovery of Kenya’s economy, which is reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The resumption of domestic flights will add to the revival of domestic tourism that has recorded an all-time low.

“We will call upon Kenyans to take up opportunities to step out of their homes for a breath of fresh air and experimentally get away from their homes,’’ said Betty Radier, KTB CEO.

Adira Kallo with agency report

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