Kenya Airways is set to enhance its flight services to New York in anticipation of a surge in passenger numbers during the upcoming summer season. The airline, based in East Africa, will introduce two additional weekly flights from June 15 to Sept. 28, supplementing its existing daily service from New York JFK. This expansion will bring the total number of weekly flights to nine, with the new flights scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays.
In addition to the increased flight frequency, Kenya Airways has formed a strategic alliance with the Kenya Tourism Board to promote the country as a premier tourist destination in North America. The collaboration aims to capitalize on the growing interest in travel to Kenya and attract more visitors from the United States and Canada.
The additional flights not only aim to accommodate the rising demand for air travel but also provide passengers with increased flexibility. Travelers flying on Thursdays and Saturdays will now have the option of choosing from two flight departures from New York, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. This flexibility is expected to cater to different travel preferences and schedules.
Kenya’s tourism sector has been experiencing steady growth, with a notable increase in international visitors over the past few years. In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife recorded 1.75 million international arrivals, reflecting a significant rise from the previous year. With the introduction of the new flights, the ministry projects an additional 825,000 annual visitors, further stimulating the country’s tourism industry.
One of the key selling points of Kenya Airways’ flight service to New York is the convenience of its direct route. Launched in 2018, the direct flight allows passengers to travel between Nairobi and New York with same-day arrival options. Travelers departing from Nairobi in the morning can expect to arrive in New York in the afternoon, streamlining the journey and minimizing travel time.
The new flights from New York will depart at 8 p.m. local time on Thursdays and Saturdays, reaching Nairobi at 4:45 p.m. the following day. Return flights from Nairobi will take off at 8:45 a.m. and arrive in New York at 5:45 p.m. on the same day. For more information, interested parties can visit the official Kenya Airways website for updates and booking details.
Overall, the expansion of Kenya Airways’ flight service to New York demonstrates the airline’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of passengers and promoting tourism in Kenya. By increasing flight frequency, enhancing travel flexibility, and forming strategic partnerships, Kenya Airways is well-positioned to attract more visitors and contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism industry.