Five Major International Airlines Announce Resumption of Flights into and Out of Kenya

At least five major international airlines have confirmed they will resume flights to Kenya next month.

The development comes after President Kenyatta early this month gave airlines the green light to resume domestic and international flights on July 15th and August 1st respectively.

The airlines include Qatar Airways, Emirates, British Airways, KLM, and Air France, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said on Sunday.

British Airways will operate four flights weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning August 1st.

Qatar Airways will resume operations to and from Nairobi on August 3rd, with 14 weekly flights “subject to regulatory approval.”

Similarly, KLM will begin with four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from August 3rd.

On the other hand, Air France will resume operations on August 6th with one flight to Paris from Nairobi every Friday.

Transport CS James Macharia said travelers arriving in Kenya from abroad will not be subjected to mandatory quarantine over Covid-19.

He said this will apply to passengers and tourists who do not show any signs of coronavirus on arrival in the country.

The move is aimed at encouraging foreigners to visit Kenya to boost tourism, one of the sectors that have been hard-hit by the pandemic.

Arrivers who show any symptoms of coronavirus, including body temperatures above 37.5 degrees Celsius, a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, and other flu-like signs will be quarantined.

“Where there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on the flight, the crew shall be quarantined at home. If they test negative for COVID-19, they shall be allowed to resume normal duties. Where layovers are necessary, crew members shall not be allowed to leave their hotel rooms, except in cases of emergency,” said Macharia.

“When there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on the flight or if the symptoms are detected, the passengers within two rows of the passenger with the symptoms shall be tested. If they test negative, they shall be allowed to leave the airport. If they test positive, they shall be quarantined in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.”