Kenya Airways commences direct flights to Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Kenya Airways (KQ) has commenced direct flights to Mogadishu, ending months of stalemate, engineered by insecurity and diplomatic fallout, which have since been resolved amicably after roundtable meetings.

Somalia had accused Kenya of internal interference in her politics, coupled with a maritime dispute at the International Court of Justice, with Kenya also reverting to reprisals. At some point, both countries recalled their envoys.

Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya's minister for Roads and Transport, in the company of his Defence counterpart Aden Duale, unveiled the direct flights from Nairobi to Mogadishu. The flights were disrupted in 2020.

"Joined by my colleague AdenDuale (CS for Defence), I officially flagged off the first direct Kenya Airways flight from JKIA to Mogadishu this afternoon, marking the resumption of direct passenger and cargo flights on this route four years since their disruption in 2020 due to Covid-19 outbreak," he said.

"Somalia, whose airspace recently regained Class A certification, becomes the 44th destination for KenyaAirways (with 3 weekly flights) bringing immense benefits for the people of both countries through enhanced trade, improved connectivity, and bolstered regional cohesion and integration."

Murkomen thanked the government of Somalia for cooperation, adding that the move would improve trade ties between the two countries. Kenya is a major Khat exporter to Somalia. Exportation had been severely affected by the disruption.

"I wish to thank the Government of Somalia, through the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, for expediting the issuance of the Foreign Operator Certificate and approval of the winter schedule for Kenya Airways passenger and cargo operations."

Others present at the event were Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) DG Emile N. Arao, Kenya Airports Authority Board Chairman Hon. Caleb Kositany, among others.

GAROWE ONLINE