Kenya Airways Announces New Nairobi-London Direct Flight [SCHEDULES]

Kenyans travelling to London in the United Kingdom (UK) will be spoilt for choice in the new year. Starting July 2, 2025, national airline Kenya Airways (KQ) will begin operating direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport from its hub at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

This announcement on Monday, December 9 means KQ will now serve the UK through two entry points, that is Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) with KQ Customers being able to choose a second nonstop flight into London. 

The flights to Gatwick will operate at night out of Nairobi, three times a week specifically on Wednesday,  Friday and Sunday and will complement the existing London schedule, thus increasing the London frequency to 10 weekly flights.  

Commenting on the new route, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO revealed that it is part of KQ's route expansion strategy and offers convenience for customers.

A passenger outside the entry of a terminal at London Gatwick Airport. /REUTERS

He also hinted at the potential for further expansion, stating that "this is just the beginning of our expansion plans for the UK market."

"The United Kingdom is essential and strategic for Kenya Airways and Kenya. It provides a gateway for trade, tourism, education, business, leisure travel, and diaspora connections. 

"We are excited to add Gatwick Airport to our expansive network as it means that KQ guests now have more options in and out of the UK and a convenient schedule that suits their travel preferences," Kilavuka remarked.

The new flight schedule means that two flights will operate from Nairobi to London Gatwick in the night hours with the return flight scheduled for the noon hours. It will operate as below:

About London Gatwick

Located in West Sussex, England, Gatwick Airport is located near Crawley, West Sussex, 47.5 kilometres south of Central London, making it a convenient gateway for travellers from the Southeast and South of England.

In 2022, Gatwick was the second-busiest airport by total passenger traffic in the UK, after Heathrow Airport, and was the 8th-busiest in Europe by total passenger traffic.

Gatwick opened as an aerodrome in the late 1920s and has been in use for commercial flights since 1933. 

The airport has two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, despite operating as a single-runway airport, using a main runway with a length of 3,316 metres. A secondary runway is available but, due to its proximity to the main runway, can only be used if the main runway is not in use.

In 2018, 46.1 million passengers passed through the airport, a 1.1 per cent increase compared with 2017

Passengers travelling from Gatwick will enjoy seamless connections to Kenya Airways' extensive network via its hub in Nairobi, ensuring a smooth and connected travel experience.

"Flights are open for booking on Kenya Airways’ website www.kenya-airways.com, travel agents as well as online travel agents (OTAs)," KQ in a statement announced.

Kenya Airways has been operating flights to London since its inception as a gateway to the UK for business travel, leisure travel, trade, and education travel.

The airline has been using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, viewed as one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world due to technological advances in aerodynamics, more efficient engines, and weight reduction.