IndiGo, India’s leading low-cost carrier, has officially confirmed its plans to launch flights between Mumbai and Nairobi, marking its entry into the African continent. The airline has already begun accepting bookings for the nonstop service, with the inaugural flight scheduled for August 5. This new route will strengthen bilateral ties between India and Kenya, promoting increased trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The Mumbai-Nairobi route will operate on a daily basis, offering passengers convenient and direct connectivity between the two vibrant cities. Nairobi will become IndiGo’s 27th international destination and the 105th overall in its extensive network. With India emerging as Kenya’s third-largest trading partner and witnessing growing investments, the new air route will further enhance economic ties and facilitate business opportunities between the two countries.
Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s Head of Global Sales, expressed enthusiasm for the new route, highlighting its significance in strengthening bilateral relations. He stated, “With India emerging as Kenya’s third-largest trading partner and witnessing increased investments, this new air route will further enhance our economic ties, too.” The Mumbai-Nairobi flight is expected to drive tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods. Kenya Tourism Board CEO John Chirchir says IndiGo’s launch represents “a significant milestone” in efforts to increase the number of visitors from India.
IndiGo’s expansion into Africa represents a significant milestone in the efforts to increase visitor numbers from India to Kenya. As previously reported, there are only three nonstop routes connecting India and Kenya. Kenya Airways operates twice daily between Mumbai and Nairobi, Air India offers three weekly flights connecting New Delhi and Nairobi, and Rwandair links Mumbai and Mombasa as part of a Mumbai-Mombasa-Kigali routing. The addition of IndiGo’s Mumbai-Nairobi route will provide travelers with more choices and improved connectivity, further promoting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties.
The launch of the Mumbai-Nairobi route follows IndiGo’s recent announcement of its intention to introduce flights from Mumbai to Jakarta, Indonesia, and four routes from New Delhi, connecting the Indian capital with Tbilisi, Georgia; Baku, Azerbaijan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Almaty, Kazakhstan.
IndiGo’s decision to enter the African market comes on the heels of a landmark aircraft order. The airline recently finalized an agreement with Airbus to purchase 500 aircraft from the A320 family, marking the largest-ever single purchase agreement in the industry. This order, combined with IndiGo’s existing fleet of about 300 aircraft and an additional order for 480 aircraft to be delivered by the end of the decade, positions the airline for significant growth and solidifies its status as a major player in the global aviation industry.
As IndiGo prepares to launch its Mumbai-Nairobi flight, both Indian and Kenyan travelers can anticipate enhanced connectivity, increased travel options, and strengthened economic ties between the two nations. The new route opens up exciting opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges, and sets the stage for a prosperous partnership between India and Kenya.
Featured image: @indian_spotter
