By Shadrack Nyakoe
In a momentous return after nearly a decade, Brussels Airlines has resumed its direct flights to Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion and in Kenya’s aviation sector.
The inaugural flight, featuring the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-300, touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday night, heralding a new era of connectivity between Europe and East Africa.
The resumption of this route comes after a nine-year hiatus and highlights Brussels Airlines’ commitment to expanding its footprint in Africa.
The inaugural flight was not just a routine landing; it was a symbol of renewed partnerships and the beginning of enhanced business and tourism opportunities between Belgium and Kenya.
The flight was met with a warm reception at JKIA, where a distinguished delegation awaited its arrival.
Among the notable attendees were PS Mohamed Daghar,, from the State Department for Transport, PS Julius Kibet Bitok from State Department for Immigration & Citizen Services, Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens, and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board Chairman, Caleb Kositany. Their presence underscored the importance of this event for both nations.
Caleb Kositany shared the collective excitement, noting, “The return of Brussels Airlines is a testament to Nairobi’s growing significance as a regional hub. We are not only celebrating this flight but also looking ahead to future growth.”
In his remarks, Kositany also revealed ambitious plans for the expansion of JKIA.
The planned upgrades aim to enhance the airport’s capacity to handle more passengers and flights, positioning Nairobi as a premier aviation hub in Africa.
“Expanding JKIA is crucial for accommodating the increasing number of international flights and for bolstering our economy through improved connectivity,” he emphasized.
The return of Brussels Airlines is poised to provide a significant boost to Kenya’s tourism sector.
Nairobi, known for its vibrant culture, business opportunities, and proximity to world-renowned safari destinations, stands to benefit greatly from the increased influx of European tourists and business travelers.