Gachagua Flags Off Another Direct Flight [PHOTOS]
He termed the launch of direct flights from Mombasa to Dubai as being key in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods...
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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday evening, December 15 flagged off direct flights from Mombasa's Moi International Airport to Dubai.
He was accompanied by Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Tourism CS Peninah Malonza, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir among other leaders.
National carrier, Kenya Airways will fly the direct route using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft four times a week; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, which is roughly 5 hours and 35 minutes long. This is compared to Nairobi-Dubai which is about 5 hours and 5 minutes long.
He termed the launch of direct flights from Mombasa to Dubai as being key in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods from the Kenyan coast to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
DP Gachagua flagging off the Mombasa to Dubai direct flights on December 15, 2022. /FACEBOOK.RIGATHI GACHAGUA
"This flight marks yet another dynamic that will go a long way to sustain millions of jobs from the tourism sector in the Coast region.
"By connecting the Kenyan Coast to the Middle East directly, the travel time is effectively reduced, thereby making Kenya the most attractive destination for the Middle East holiday seekers," he stated in part.
A return flight ticket will cost Ksh37,925 for a limited period.
“Launching this route is part of our network expansion strategy and our commitment towards supporting the recovery of Kenya's tourism and hospitality industry,” the airline’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Julius Thairu added.
CS Murkomen stated that the historic achievement symbolizes Kenya’s formidable position as an aviation hub and the immense potential of the airline.
“We acknowledge the key role the aviation industry plays in the growth of our economy and the tourism sector, accounting for 4.6 per cent of Kenya’s GDP. As a ministry, we are keen to rally all stakeholders towards unlocking this immense potential and increasing its contribution to the GDP,” the Cabinet Secretary expressed.
DP Gachagua with Kenya Airways hostesses during the flagging off of the Mombasa to Dubai direct flights on December 15, 2022. /FACEBOOK.RIGATHI GACHAGUA
He added that the government would formulate a progressive aviation policy to modernise KQ’s operations, improve infrastructure, and enhance connectivity, safety and security through the application of modern technology.
The launch of the Mombasa-Dubai direct flights comes a day after DP Gachagua launched direct flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Kakamega Airstrip as local airlines prepare to handle the huge passenger traffic that comes with the festive season.
It is not just air travel that will witness high passenger traffic. CS Murkomen directed the Kenya Railways management to increase trains to Kisumu County from Nairobi so that Kenyans can travel for the festivities.
"I have instructed Kenya Railways to increase the number of trains to Kisumu from December 21, 2022, to January 3, 2023. This is to meet the increasing demand occasioned by the festive season and ease pressure on our roads," he announced.
Additionally, Murkomen announced that there were plans to add more trains on various routes as the government invests more in the railway sector.
"We will also be working to restore passenger trains along the old Metre Gauge Railway routes. Further, we will be increasing the number of wagons and coaches, which, together with the old wagons and coaches that are currently being revamped at our Nairobi workshops," the CS revealed.
