After a nine-year hiatus, Brussels Airlines has resumed direct flights between the Belgian capital and Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. This exciting development promises to bolster Kenya’s growing corporate sector and revitalize its tourism industry.
On Monday night, the Belgian flag carrier and member of the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with 288 passengers on board. This inaugural flight marks the airline’s 18th destination in Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the region’s importance in its route network.
For Kenya, Brussels Airlines’ reentry solidifies its position as the Lufthansa Group’s second-largest market by flight frequency, with five weekly Lufthansa flights, six EuroWings Discover flights to Mombasa and now six Brussels Airlines flights to Nairobi.
According to Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg, the airline’s first flights to Nairobi were fully booked, reflecting the high interest in exploring Kenya among Belgian travellers. “Nairobi is a vibrant city and the perfect gateway for an unforgettable trip to Kenya,” she said.
Beyond leisure travel, the airline aims to facilitate connections for Kenyans to Europe and beyond, enabling them to explore new opportunities for study, business or leisure.
The resumption of Brussels Airlines’ Nairobi service comes at a good time, as data from Belgium’s statistical office, Statbel, shows a resurgence in international travel among Belgians. In the third quarter of 2023, Belgians made 6.92 million trips abroad, an increase of 3.8% compared to the same period in 2022.
Cost and affordability remain crucial factors for 34% of Belgians when planning international trips. However, the preference for overseas travel remains high, with 64% of Belgians likely to travel abroad for leisure in the next 12 months.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Director David Tanki welcomed the airline’s return, expressing hope that it will inspire more visitors to experience the “Magical Kenya.” Europe is a key source market for Kenya’s tourism, ranking second with a 29% market share and contributing 572,352 arrivals last year.
“In 2023, the number of arrivals from Belgium reached 12,960, up from 9,981 in 2022, indicating a growing recognition of Kenya as a desirable destination within Belgian tourism,” Tanki said.
With 50,000 tickets already booked for travel between Nairobi and Brussels before the inaugural flight, Brussels Airlines’ resurgence in Kenya is already a resounding success. As the airline connects the European capital with over 90 destinations, including 18 in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya’s tourism prospects are poised to soar to new heights.
