The year 2018 has definitely been an exciting one for tourism in Kenya. Almost two months after the historic inaugural Kenya Airways to New York flight, Kenya yet again makes history as Qatar Airways today launched its inaugural direct flight from Doha in Qatar to Mombasa, Kenya.
The Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 Business Class seats and 120 seats in Economy Class and crew members adding up to 150 visitors on board touched down in Mombasa today morning at 8:40 am.
Our resolve to transform Mombasa into a vibrant regional economic hub got a big boost today as Qatar Airways inaugural scheduled direct flight from Doha landed at the Moi
International Airport, Mombasa. @qatarairways #MombasaTogether pic.twitter.com/6Ncc2HQEYo— Governor Hassan Joho (@HassanAliJoho) December 9, 2018
“Our resolve to transform Mombasa into a vibrant regional economic hub got a big boost today as Qatar Airways inaugural scheduled direct flight from Doha landed at the Moi International Airport, Mombasa,” read a tweet from Governor Joho.
Qatar airways will now be making four scheduled weekly flights to Mombasa, bringing about 600 visitors to the region on a weekly basis.
Speaking during the arrival of the plane, Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive officer Dr. Betty Radier said that the direct flight was not only an endorsement of the destination but also a vote of confidence on the Kenyan coast that has in the past suffered in number of international arrivals.
“This is good news for the sector and together with the private sector, KTB will look into ways of partnering with Qatar Airways as well as other aircrafts to increase passenger numbers into the route,” said Dr. Radier.
She also said that there are more prospects from the market with the direct flight to Mombasa that will ease access to the beach product and other experiences.
“Qatar Airways inaugural has given us more impetus to look into more ways of enticing both charters and scheduled flights into the country. We hope to achieve this once we complete on our review of charter incentives program to incorporate low cost carriers and scheduled flights,” she added.
Mohammed Hersi, the Chairperson of the Kenya Tourists Federation said that Mombasa residents were delighted to receive the Qatar Airways flight.
“It has been long, we started the process four year ago. We are happy that Qatar airways will be opening and connecting Mombasa to over 120 cities of the world,” he said.
The Mombasa Airport has in the past only received three scheduled flights; Rwanda Air, Turkish Airline and Ethiopia Airline.
“The number of scheduled flights coming to Mombasa are still very few. We are happy that we have received a forth direct scheduled flight to Mombasa, the Qatar Airways,” said, Jimmy Kibati, the General Manager Marketing at Kenya Airports Authority.
What do you make of the Doha to Mombasa direct flight?