Kenya Airways has officially introduced Gatwick Airport in London as its second UK destination, with the inaugural flight departing from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) today.

This strategic expansion aims to strengthen the airline’s international reach and improve travel options for its customers.

Rose Kiseli, the General Sales Manager for East Africa, explained during the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) 2025 AGM in Mombasa that limited capacity at Heathrow Airport prompted the move.

Gatwick, she said, offers better connectivity and will allow the national carrier to link passengers to more destinations beyond the UK.

“We’re thrilled to launch a second UK gateway. Heathrow’s limited slots made Gatwick a logical choice,” Kiseli remarked.

Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, announced that the new route is already fully booked, a strong indicator of demand and market support. He also revealed that the airline has added a Boeing 737-800 to its fleet, enhancing both passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

“Our long-term fleet optimization strategy includes expanding by 30% over the next five years. This will help us increase route flexibility, improve service reliability, and enter new markets,” Thairu noted.

He emphasized that the Gatwick route will not only improve links between Kenya and the UK but also bolster KQ’s wider global network through better connectivity and new partnerships.

In April, KQ became the first airline in Sub-Saharan Africa to adopt the New Distribution Capability (NDC) via the Amadeus Travel Platform. This innovation allows agents direct access to a broader range of services including fare options, seat selection, and baggage improving customer experience and travel retailing.

KQ recently posted a net profit of Ksh5.4 billion the airline’s first full-year profit in over a decade marking a significant turnaround in its financial performance.

“Our improved performance in passenger and cargo services is a testament to the resilience of our recovery plan,” Thairu said. “As stakeholders push for open skies to attract more international flights, Kenya Airways must be supported and protected to ensure sustainable growth.”

The new Gatwick route is seen as a key milestone in the carrier’s journey towards recovery and global competitiveness.