Kenya Airways (KQ) is resuming its direct flights to London starting June 26, marking the end of a two-month hiatus. The national carrier’s decision to restart its Heathrow Airport route comes after the government of Kenya lifted the suspension on flights to and from the United Kingdom. This significant move reflects the airline’s commitment to regrowing its network and promoting easier access to international travel for its customers.
According to Julius Thairu, the Acting Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, the resumption of flights to London aligns with the airline’s strategy to expand its route offerings as travel restrictions ease. He noted that the direct connection between Nairobi and London would facilitate smoother travel for passengers, while also enhancing trade and tourism between Kenya, the UK, and the broader global community.
“This route is a vital connection, providing customers with access to key destinations in Europe and beyond, making international travel more convenient,” Thairu said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that our passengers experience a journey that prioritizes their health and safety, in line with the latest health protocols.”
Both the Kenyan and UK governments have established new guidelines to ensure safe and secure travel between the two countries. Passengers flying to the UK must meet specific requirements, including being a British or Irish citizen or a resident of the UK. Additionally, travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate taken no more than three days before departure.
For those coming from Kenya, the UK mandates that passengers who have visited countries on its “red list” in the last 10 days must book a quarantine hotel package and undergo two COVID-19 tests. The first test is taken upon arrival, and the second follows after their mandatory quarantine period.
On the return leg, passengers flying from the UK to Kenya will also need to comply with strict health measures. This includes presenting a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours before arrival. However, children under the age of five are exempt from this requirement.
New arrivals in Kenya must quarantine at home for seven days upon arrival and undergo another PCR test on the fourth day of isolation. Furthermore, travelers will be required to report their health status daily to the Ministry of Health through the Jitenge platform for 14 days, which helps track any potential health concerns.
Kenya Airways is confident that the relaunch of this vital route will bolster the nation’s position as a central hub for trade and tourism in the region. As air travel continues to recover globally, the airline is focused on adapting to the evolving health landscape to ensure the safety of its passengers while offering exceptional service. Thairu emphasized the airline’s ongoing commitment to providing an onboard experience that focuses on passenger health, with enhanced safety measures in place.
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain our top priority,” Thairu said. “We are working closely with relevant authorities to ensure that we continue to provide a safe, efficient, and enjoyable travel experience for everyone.”
With the resumption of flights to London, Kenya Airways is re-establishing crucial global connections and helping to reconnect Kenya to one of its most important international markets. As travel restrictions ease and more destinations open up, the airline looks forward to further expanding its network and facilitating seamless travel for both business and leisure travelers.
