Kenya: Flydubai initiates direct flights to Mombasa

Flydubai, the United Arab Emirates carrier, has initiated flights from Dubai to Mombasa, intensifying competition with Kenya Airways (KQ) on the same route.

The airline has chosen to operate a Boeing 737 aircraft, making four weekly flights between Dubai International Airport’s Terminal Three (DXB) and Moi International Airport.

As per Flydubai’s online booking information, ticket prices from Dubai to Mombasa begin at 846 United Arab Emirates Dirhams (equivalent to Sh37,000), aligning with Kenya Airways’ starting fares for economy class on the same route.

Abel Gogo, the Manager of Mombasa International Airport, welcomed FlyDubai’s entry into Mombasa, emphasizing that it is a positive development that will increase competition among carriers. This heightened competition is anticipated to lead to a reduction in passenger fares, benefiting customers.

“The entry of Fly Dubai is good for Mombasa as a region. With this expansion, we are going to witness increased movement of businesspeople and tourists into Mombasa,” said Mr Gogo Wednesday.

With the commencement of operations in Mombasa, Flydubai has expanded its network in Africa to encompass 11 destinations across 10 countries. These destinations include Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, and Zanzibar.

“With the commencement of operations in Mombasa, Flydubai has expanded its network in Africa to encompass 11 destinations across 10 countries. These destinations include Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, and Zanzibar.

Flydubai’s entrance into Mombasa follows closely on the heels of Kenya’s decision to increase the number of flights granted to Ethiopian Airlines for operations into Mombasa.

Kenya granted Ethiopian Airlines the rights to conduct two direct flights into Mombasa each week, aligning with the open skies policy. This move set the stage for heightened competition with Kenya Airways (KQ).