NAIROBI — Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s national carrier, has resumed its Nairobi-Brussels route after nearly a decade-long hiatus, marking a significant resurgence in European interest in the Kenyan travel market.
The airline, which had previously operated the route from 2002 until 2015, made its return on June 3, 2024, with the inaugural flight landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
This development follows closely on the heels of Etihad Airways’ recent introduction of a direct flight between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the Lufthansa Group, Brussels Airlines will offer six weekly flights during the summer season, with plans to reduce the frequency to four flights per week in the winter.
“Even if this is a business decision, it has far much greater significance. This connection will serve as the backbone of our relations, and it’s a win-win for both countries,” said Kevin Markette, Lufthansa Group’s General Manager for East Africa.
The route has already proven popular, with the airline reporting 50,000 bookings for travel between Nairobi and Brussels before the first flight even took off. This high demand underscores the strong interest from Belgian travelers eager to explore Kenya, as well as Kenyans looking to visit Belgium.
Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg noted the heightened interest, stating, “There has been a very high interest in Belgium to explore Kenya, which will drive up business for the airline.”
The resumption of this route is expected to bolster tourism and business exchanges between the two countries, reflecting a growing appetite for international connectivity in the post-pandemic era.
© All East Africa
