Kenya Airways Corrects Itself On Charging Ksh160,000 For Flights To Somalia

National carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), was on Wednesday, November 29 prompted to salvage itself following reports that it was charging Ksh160,755 (USD 1050) for direct flights to Mogadishu in Somalia, set to resume from February 14, 2024.

The initial ticket price, which was estimated to be three times more expensive than the existing price, was depicted in a deleted social media post by the airline which went viral, triggering uproar amongst a section of travellers.

KQ was prompted to pull down the post and publish another promotional post which was without the previously mentioned price before publishing another post which captured its corrected price of Ksh64,302 (USD 420), set as the launch fare for the direct flight.

An image of the Aden Adde International Airport, formerly Mogadishu International Airport in Somalia. /WIKIMEDIA

Speaking to Viral Tea, Henry Okatch, KQ's Head of Corporate Communications, confirmed the introductory price, adding that other factors including the demand and supply season as well as the time of booking could affect the change in ticket prices. 

Nonetheless, the resumption follows the temporary suspension in August 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. The phased flight resumption will resume with three weekly flights in the month of February 2024.

"We listened, we care. Starting 14th February 2024, fly non-stop to Mogadishu from Nairobi 3x weekly on Kenya Airways every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Enjoy our special launch fares, starting from USD 420," the airline stated in part.

Speaking ahead of the resumption, Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways said, “We are eager about the potential of re-establishing the link between Mogadishu and Nairobi through KQ. This move aligns with the increasing business and the growing number of air travel between Kenya and Somalia.

"Kenya Airways is committed to providing high-quality service for our customers, as we work together to foster trade and investment for sustained growth."

The resumption of Mogadishu flights is part of Kenya Airways network expansion strategy and commitment aimed at enhancing connectivity across the African continent to contribute to long-term economic progress.

KQ will at the time of relaunch have two weekly flights; that is on Wednesday and Saturday, with KQ 362 having a departure time from Nairobi at 2.00 pm and arriving at Mogadishu at 3.45 pm.

The same goes for the return trip from Mogadishu to Nairobi every Wednesday and Saturday, but KQ 363 will depart Mogadishu at 4.35 pm and arrive in Nairobi at 6.20 pm.

This schedule provides passengers with punctual and reliable air travel options between the two cities. The move also minimizes disruptions caused by connecting flights.

This comes after Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen announced that Kenya signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement with the Federal Republic of Somalia, represented by the Country's Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Fardowsa Osman Egal.

The agreement allows designated airlines of each Contracting Party to operate seven weekly frequencies for passenger flights on specified routes as set out in the schedule of routes annexed to the ASA, while designated cargo flights may operate unlimited frequencies.

Notably, Somalia became the latest country to be admitted to the East African Community (EAC) becoming the eighth member state in the bloc.