NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 16 – AirAsia X (AAX), the low-cost arm of AirAsia, has launched its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi.
The airline says its first-ever direct flight to Nairobi signals a significant step towards diversifying Kenya’s tourism markets and fostering deeper trade and cultural exchanges.
The new route is expected to enhance Kenya’s profile as a prime destination for tourists, business travelers, and investors from Malaysia and the broader Asian region.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano highlighted the significance of the new route, noting, “Kenya is now firmly established as a regional hub and a leader in air transport across the continent.”
“This direct link with AirAsia X is not just about boosting tourism; it’s about creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and cooperation between Kenya and Southeast Asia.”
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “We are thrilled to begin our direct flights from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur, which showcases our commitment to providing affordable, accessible air travel to underserved destinations.”
According to the airline, more than 70% of the inaugural flight’s seats were filled, indicating strong demand for travel between the two regions.
The launch of the new route follows a recent agreement between KTB and AirAsia to enhance connectivity and collaboration in promoting tourism across both regions.
AirAsia X will operate four weekly flights on the Nairobi-Kuala Lumpur route, offering more than 156,000 seats annually, with fares starting at Sh25,685 (USD 199) for one-way tickets.
