Kenya Airways to Launch Direct Flights to London Gatwick in Summer 2025
Kenya Airways is expanding its connections to the United Kingdom by introducing direct flights from Nairobi to London Gatwick Airport starting on July 2, 2025. This new route marks the airline’s second destination in the UK.
Kenya Airways already operates daily flights to London Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport. With the addition of Gatwick, the airline will offer a total of 10 weekly flights between Nairobi and London. The new Gatwick service will operate three times a week on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departing Nairobi on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (flight KQ108) and returning from Gatwick on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays (flight KQ109).
Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways’ CEO, emphasized that this move aligns with the airline’s strategy to expand its network and meet customer needs. He stated:
“The United Kingdom is essential and strategic for Kenya Airways and Kenya. It provides a gateway for trade, tourism, education, business, leisure travel, and diaspora connections. We are excited to add Gatwick Airport to our expansive network as it means that KQ guests now have more options in and out of the UK and a convenient schedule that suits their travel preferences.”
Kilavuka hinted at potential future expansion in the UK market, highlighting its importance for both the airline and Kenya as a whole
Kenya Airways will use its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for the new Gatwick route. The Dreamliner offers 30 seats in business class and 204 in economy, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers. The airline’s fleet also includes the Airbus A330-300, currently wet-leased from Hi-Fly for certain flights.
This December, Kenya Airways is operating its Heathrow flights using both the 787-8 and the A330-300, showcasing its capacity to adapt to increased demand during peak travel seasons.
Why Gatwick?
London Gatwick Airport is located approximately 47.5 kilometers south of Central London, providing easy access to the Southeast and South of England. Travelers can reach the city center by train, car, or coach, making Gatwick a convenient alternative to Heathrow.
By launching flights to Gatwick, Kenya Airways is increasing its UK services by 30%, building on the success of last winter’s double daily flights to Heathrow. This expansion is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, and business ties between the UK and Kenya.
From Gatwick, Kenya Airways passengers will have access to multiple destinations in sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing regional connectivity. The route is now open for booking on the airline’s website and through travel agents.
A Competitive Market
The UK-Kenya market is becoming increasingly competitive. British Airways operates daily flights between Heathrow and Nairobi using its Airbus A350-1000. Other carriers in East Africa, such as Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir, also offer flights from the UK.
Ethiopian Airlines launched Gatwick flights in November 2023 and currently operates five weekly flights from Addis Ababa using the Airbus A350-900. RwandAir, on the other hand, serves Heathrow-Kigali daily with its Airbus A330.
Uganda Airlines has also announced plans to begin Gatwick flights, although an official launch date is yet to be confirmed.
Strategic Partnerships
Kenya Airways’ codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic further boosts its UK operations. This partnership, launched in March 2024, connects customers to more destinations in East Africa and the Caribbean, offering seamless travel through Nairobi and London.