Kenya Airways is set to enhance its connectivity between the UK and Kenya with the launch of a new London Gatwick (LGW) to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) route. This expansion, which begins on July 2, 2025, will provide travelers with more options to fly between the UK and East Africa.
Route Details
Route: London Gatwick (LGW) → Nairobi (NBO)
Launch Date: July 2, 2025
Frequency: Three times per week
Aircraft:Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Flight Time: Approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes
The new service will complement Kenya Airways’ existing daily flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and Nairobi, increasing the airline’s weekly UK departures to a total of ten flights.
Flight Schedule
LGW to NBO (KQ121):
Departs Gatwick at 7:00 PM
Arrives in Nairobi at 5:45 AM (next day)
NBO to LGW (KQ120):
Departs Nairobi at 11:50 AM
Arrives at Gatwick at 6:30 PM
Competitive Fares and Options
Kenya Airways is offering competitive fares for the new Gatwick service, with economy class prices starting at £360 for a round-trip ticket. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner features:
Business Class: Lie-flat seats with enhanced privacy and premium services.
Economy Class: Comfortable seating with in-flight entertainment and complimentary meals.
Strategic Importance of the Expansion
This new route is part of Kenya Airways’ strategy to strengthen its presence in the European market and enhance accessibility for travelers between the UK and Africa. The airline aims to:
Boost Tourism: Facilitate travel for UK tourists visiting Kenya’s renowned attractions, such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and the coastal city of Mombasa.
Enhance Trade: Support business travel and cargo operations between two key economic hubs.
Provide More Options: Offer travelers a choice between London Heathrow and London Gatwick, catering to different passenger preferences and airport access points.
“We are excited to add London Gatwick to our network. This new route reinforces our commitment to connecting Africa to the world and providing our passengers with more travel options. Gatwick’s convenient location will allow us to serve a wider range of travelers.”
Impact on Passengers
Passengers can benefit from:
Increased Flexibility: More flight options between the UK and Nairobi.
Convenient Connections: Seamless onward connections from Nairobi to other destinations in East and Central Africa.
Enhanced Comfort: Modern amenities aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, including Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment, and superior cabin comfort.
Bottom Line
Kenya Airways’ launch of the London Gatwick to Nairobi route marks a significant expansion in its UK services. With ten weekly flights to Kenya, the airline is well-positioned to meet growing demand for travel between the UK and Africa, supporting both tourism and business connectivity.
