Kenya Airways announces new direct flights between Nairobi and London Gatwick
Kenya Airways has unveiled plans to launch direct flights between Nairobi and London Gatwick Airport starting summer 2025, marking its second destination in the United Kingdom.
The new service, set to commence on July 2, 2025, will operate three times weekly using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Flights will depart Nairobi on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return services operating on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.
This expansion will increase Kenya Airways' total weekly London flights to 10, complementing its existing daily service to London Heathrow Airport.
Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka emphasised the strategic importance of the UK market, saying: "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."
The new route will be operated by the airline's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 30 business class seats and 204 economy seats. Passengers traveling from Gatwick will gain access to Kenya Airways' extensive network of destinations across sub-Saharan Africa.
The expansion marks a significant growth in air connectivity between the UK and East Africa, with Kenya Airways joining Ethiopian Airlines at Gatwick. Ethiopian Airlines launched its Gatwick service in November 2023 and currently operates five weekly flights from Addis Ababa.
Bookings for the new Gatwick service are now open through Kenya Airways' website and travel agents. The route represents a 30% increase in the airline's current UK service capacity.
Source: Kenya Airways
