Kenya Airways is set to expand its UK operations with a new direct flight route from London Gatwick Airport to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, beginning July 2, 2025. This new service will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—complementing the airline’s existing route from London Heathrow to Nairobi.
The addition of this route increases the total number of Kenya Airways flights between London and Nairobi to 10 per week. The direct flight will take just under nine hours, with economy-class one-way fares starting from around £360.
Allan Kilavuka, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, emphasized the strategic importance of the UK for both the airline and the country. He highlighted that the UK market plays a vital role in facilitating trade, tourism, education, and connections with the Kenyan diaspora. He added that introducing services from Gatwick provides more flexibility and convenience for passengers traveling between the two countries. Kilavuka also suggested that more UK routes may be introduced in the future.
Kenya continues to attract tourists due to its rich blend of wildlife, coastal beauty, and cultural heritage. It is one of the few places globally where visitors can see the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos—in their natural environment. Besides safaris, tourists can enjoy Kenya’s tropical beaches along the Indian Ocean, go snorkeling or diving, and explore cultural landmarks like Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nairobi offers a unique mix of urban culture and nature, with attractions such as Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre located close to the city. The capital enjoys a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 26°C, while coastal cities like Mombasa experience warmer weather between 23°C and 35°C. The ideal time to visit Kenya is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
In 2023, TUI resumed offering holiday packages to Kenya, with seven-night all-inclusive trips starting from £1,215 per person during peak season.
Travel Tips for Kenya:
- Languages: English and Swahili are official, making communication easy for UK travelers.
- Currency: The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), with about 181 KES to the British Pound.
- Visa Requirements: UK citizens need an e-visa, which must be obtained online.
- Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months from entry and have at least two blank pages.
- Safety: Kenya is generally safe for tourists, though the UK government advises against travel to areas near the Somali border and certain northeastern regions like Garissa, Mandera, Lamu, and Tana River Counties.
Meanwhile, low-cost airline easyJet is launching a new service from London Gatwick to Rimini, and Jet2 plans to open a new base at London Luton Airport.
