Nairobi, Kenya – Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 …The tourism sector has lauded the arrival of the inaugural TAAG Angola Airlines direct flight from Luanda to Nairobi as a great opportunity for the destination to grow trade and tourism between the two regions, further opening up the country to the larger Southern Africa market.

The flight which was received yesterday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by various stakeholders, including the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), will operate thrice a week between the two cities.

Speaking during the arrival of the flight, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Acting CEO, Allan Njoroge, underscored the critical importance of the African market to Kenyan tourism.

Africa accounted for about 41% of the country’s total tourist arrivals, with 975,883 visitors in 2024, with high hopes of prospects from new entrants such as Angola with this inaugural flight.

“This flight is a huge milestone for us. We have taken a strategic focus to target neighbouring African markets to grow our tourism numbers and this flight is a great opportunity to increase arrivals from Southern Africa,” he said.

The Kenya Tourism Board continues to invest in market diversification and leveraging intra-African connectivity. Recent initiatives, including visa-free access for African travellers and ongoing enhancements in aviation infrastructure, have greatly simplified travel for visitors across the continent eager to explore Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings.

“The TAAG Angola Airlines direct flight between Luanda and Nairobi is a testament to the strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Angola. It facilitates easier travel and opens opportunities for cultural exchange, business and tourism growth,” Allan added.

Speaking at the same function, CEO of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, Nicanor Sabula said, “We are excited to be receiving this inaugural TAAG Angola airlines flight into Nairobi. This flight underscores the country’s growing influence as an aviation hub in the region and adds to our connectivity with the rest of the continent.”

Arrivals from Angola to Kenya have steadily increased by over 300% in the last four years. The new direct flight is expected to significantly amplify this market’s potential and increase visitor numbers from Angola.

With the new service, Kenya will look to welcome more Angolan travellers to experience the country’s breath-taking landscapes, majestic wildlife parks and vibrant culture while looking forward to reciprocal tourism growth.

On her part, Kenya’s Ambassador to Angola, Ambassador Joyce M’Maitsi, urged Kenyans and Angolans as well to take advantage of these flights to grow trade and tourism.

“The flights will operate thrice a week. Let us take advantage of this new opportunity to build on trade and tourism between the two nations. A special welcome to all Angolans – come experience Magical Kenya,” she said.

KTB calls on African tourism stakeholders to create synergies, collaborate closely and innovate marketing strategies that promote intra-Africa travel the key to unlocking the continent’s vast tourism potential.