Kenyans who want to travel to Mumbai, India’s financial and entertainment hub, will soon have a direct flight option with IndiGo Air, India’s largest passenger airline.
The low-cost carrier began operating daily flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on August 5.
Thrilled to operate our first flight to Nairobi, Kenya, from Mumbai, our first flight ever into Africa. Here are some glimpses of our inaugural flight. #IndiGowild #goIndiGo #Nairobi #Kenya #Mumbai #IndiaByIndiGo @kipmurkomen @IndiainKenya pic.twitter.com/ov50ZdipAN
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 5, 2023
The new route will be IndiGo’s 27th international destination and its first in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The airline said it aims to cater to the growing demand for travel between the two countries, which have strong trade and cultural ties.
“Kenya is a beautiful country that offers a perfect blend of wildlife, nature, culture and adventure. With India emerging as Kenya’s third-largest trading partner and witnessing increased investments, this new air route will further enhance our economic ties too,” said Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s head of global sales.
Kenya Tourist Board CEO John Chirchir welcomed the entry of IndiGo into the Kenyan market, saying it will boost the tourism sector by increasing the number of visitors from India, which is one of Kenya’s key source markets.
Kenya's open skies policy in the aviation sector has helped in easing access to our airports for international airlines to enhance the flow of tourists and open the country for business.
This morning, joined by my Tourism counterpart CS Penninah Malonza we received the… pic.twitter.com/uAWUQgaJDU
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) August 5, 2023
IndiGo is known for its punctuality, reliability and affordability. It has been ranked as the 4th most punctual airline globally in 2018, the 6th most punctual airline globally in 2019, and the 3rd most punctual airline in 2021 by OAG Punctuality League.
IndiGo was founded in 2006 as a private company by Rahul Bhatia of InterGlobe Enterprises and Rakesh Gangwal.
It operates a fleet of over 280 aircraft and flies to over 90 destinations across India and abroad. IndiGo has a market share of about 55 per cent in the domestic market.