RwandaAir has officially resumed flights to Mombasa, ending a six-year hiatus on this key coastal route. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) celebrated the move as a pivotal milestone in the country’s strategy to increase tourist arrivals, particularly from high-potential regional markets. This restored air link is expected to significantly strengthen Kenya’s inbound tourism ambitions. Visit Kenya Tourism Board for more details.

June Chepkemei, CEO of KTB, emphasized the importance of this air connection in achieving the board’s target of an 18% increase in Rwandan visitors this year. She highlighted that expanding air routes is critical to promoting tourism from regional markets, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. In 2024, Rwanda contributed 65,866 tourists to Kenya, underscoring its value as a source market. Read more on Business Daily Africa.

The reinstated flights are scheduled to operate four times weekly, improving accessibility across East Africa. This enhanced connectivity allows travelers seamless entry to Kenya’s renowned coastal destinations, celebrated for their beaches, cultural experiences, and adventure tourism. KTB noted that this development aligns with national initiatives to grow inbound tourism and strengthen regional partnerships, crediting government support for strategic investments in aviation. Explore more at Magical Kenya.

This resumption is part of a broader trend of expanded international routes to Kenya. New services by airlines such as Air Dubai and Air Angola, alongside increased operations from Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, collectively reinforce Kenya’s position as a regional aviation and tourism hub, offering travelers more options and improved connectivity. Check Ethiopian Airlines for details.

With regional air connectivity on the rise, KTB anticipates a significant uptick in tourism to Mombasa from Rwanda. This surge is projected to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economic development and long-term tourism growth objectives, solidifying the country’s reputation as a premier travel destination in East Africa. Learn more from Kenya Tourism Board.