After a six-year hiatus, TUI Fly has resumed its operations at Mombasa’s Moi International Airport, marking a significant development for Kenya’s tourism sector. TUI Fly, a prominent airline known for bringing international tourists to leisure destinations around the globe, had initially stopped flights to Mombasa toward the end of 2019 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to travel restrictions and a sharp decline in global tourism, which affected several regions, including Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa. The airline’s return signals a renewed confidence in Mombasa as a destination and in Kenya’s efforts to revive its tourism industry. This is particularly timely given the global recovery in tourism following years of disruption, making it a welcome development for stakeholders in the region.
TUI Fly’s resumption of charter flights to Mombasa not only underscores Kenya’s strategic importance in international tourism but also reflects the efforts made by both local and national authorities to enhance the country’s appeal as a safe and exciting destination. The airline, which is a subsidiary of the multinational TUI Group, a major player in leisure, travel, and tourism, has introduced a scheduled flight that will operate twice a week. This flight primarily serves passengers from Europe, with expectations that the restored link will boost the flow of tourists to Kenya’s coast. The decision by TUI Fly to include Mombasa on its flight schedule reaffirms the coastal city’s standing as a unique destination with a rich mix of cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and opportunities for adventure, attributes that have traditionally attracted European tourists.
Captain Robert Gijsbertse of TUI Fly expressed the company’s belief in Mombasa as a destination. He pointed out that Kenya, with Mombasa as the gateway, offers an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation for the Dutch and other European markets. Gijsbertse highlighted the diversity of attractions Kenya offers, from its spectacular game parks to beautiful beaches and world-class hotels. He noted that these aspects make Kenya an exciting vacation spot for tourists seeking varied experiences within a single destination. TUI Fly will deploy its Boeing 787 aircraft on the route, a move that emphasizes the airline’s commitment to meeting the needs of international tourists who have expressed a growing interest in the Kenyan coast.
The return of TUI Fly to Mombasa has been celebrated by local tourism authorities, who view it as a positive step for the region. Coast Regional Manager for the Kenya Airports Authority, Abel Gogo, expressed his delight over TUI’s return, recognizing it as a result of the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders. Gogo acknowledged the role played by the government, the county administration, and other tourism stakeholders in negotiating the airline’s return, which he believes will have a ripple effect on the region’s economy. Mombasa’s tourism sector, like many other tourism hubs worldwide, suffered significantly during the pandemic as travel bans and health risks restricted tourist arrivals. The resumption of these flights is anticipated to rekindle the flow of international visitors, which would support local businesses and provide employment opportunities for residents.
Mombasa County’s Executive for Tourism, Mohammed Osman, also welcomed TUI’s return, affirming the county’s commitment to making the city more accessible to international airlines. Osman mentioned the ongoing push for an “open sky” policy, which is intended to allow more international flights into Mombasa. This policy would facilitate easier access to Kenya’s coastal region for travelers, fostering competition and potentially reducing airfares. Osman emphasized that having more international carriers, such as TUI Fly, is essential for realizing Mombasa’s tourism potential. He expressed hope that other major airlines, like Turkish Airlines, would soon resume flights to Mombasa as well, thereby enhancing the region’s connectivity and appeal.
With approximately 10 percent of Kenya’s international visitors arriving via Mombasa International Airport, Osman’s ambition is to raise this figure significantly. The goal, as he stated, is to increase Mombasa’s share of the nearly two million annual international tourists visiting Kenya to around 20-30 percent. This vision aligns with efforts by national and county governments to promote the coastal city as a premier tourist destination. Implementing the open sky policy would play a crucial role in achieving this target, making it easier for airlines to operate and encouraging more tourists to choose Mombasa for their vacations. Kenya’s commitment to improving the travel experience and enhancing security measures also plays into this broader strategy of making Mombasa an international tourism hub.
