In a landmark achievement for regional connectivity and development, Skyward Express has officially spearheaded the initial inaugural direct flight from Mombasa to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
The introduction of this direct flight is noted to be a great step towards enhancing bilateral relations between Kenya and Tanzania by fostering increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Speaking at Moi International Airport, Mombasa, during the launch, Mombasa Governor Abdulswammad Nassir flanked by the Chairman of the Kenya Airports Authority Caleb Kositany emphasized the importance of the new flight in reducing travel time and cost.
Previously, passengers had to connect through Nairobi before heading to Dar-es-Salaam, adding hours to their journey.
“This direct flight not only saves time but also lowers travel costs, making the route more accessible to businesses, tourists, and local travellers,” Nassir noted.
“An active airport doesn’t just benefit Mombasa; it impacts the entire region. With Dongo Kundu having been finished, it has reduced the travel time to Diani to just 30 minutes, and by the time the Mombasa- Malindi Highway is done, getting to Kilifi, Watamu, and Malindi would take even a lesser time than before the growth potential is immense,” he noted.
Nassir highlighted the broader benefits of increased air connectivity, stating that an active open skies policy could link Mombasa to over 300 cities globally. This would not only boost tourism but significantly contribute to Kenya’s GDP by attracting more international passengers.
He also urged policymakers to consider introducing tax incentives and other support mechanisms for local aviation companies to enhance their competitiveness in the global market. “A competitive aviation sector supported by favorable policies will unlock economic potential and ensure Mombasa and neighboring counties reap the full benefits of improved connectivity,” he said.
On his part, Kositany commended Skyward Express for their commitment to bridging regional gaps and lauded the partnership as a critical move towards advancing Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals.
Kositany reiterated that launching the direct flight from Mombasa to Dar-es-salam is a gateway for tourists, entrepreneurs, and everybody who wants to explore and promote the county and country as a key regional and international hub.
He further revealed plans by the Kenya Airports Authority to expand airport facilities to match the growing industry demands.
“Our air travel industry continues to grow, with more Kenyans flying. We are committed to creating a more comfortable and efficient environment by reducing congestion in our airports and enhancing overall passenger experience,” he added.
Skyward Express Chairman, Captain Mohammed Abdi, reflected on the airline’s growth journey, noting that their inaugural flight to Mombasa from Wilson Airport took place eight years ago. Since then, the airline has added two more daily flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Mombasa, offering both morning and evening schedules.
Abdi highlighted the strategic decision to connect through JKIA in the early days, emphasizing the importance of building capacity, acquiring larger aircraft, and positioning the airline as a competitive player.
“Our goal was to offer a superior experience, reducing flight times to Mombasa to less than an hour, a standard that sets us apart from other airlines,” he explained.
He also shared Skyward Express’s recent milestone of launching its first regional flight from Nairobi to Dar-es-Salaam last month, underscoring the airline’s vision to fly daily and seamlessly connect key destinations like Mombasa.
Captain Abdi went on to urge other airlines to build capacity to be able to compete fairly with the big airlines. He concluded by noting that the connectivity of Mombasa to Dar is the airline’s dedication to enhancing regional connectivity while meeting the growing demands of travellers.
By Fatma Said
