Airlines

AirAsia X to launch direct flights to Nairobi

Long-haul budget carrier expands into Africa, connecting Malaysia to Kenya's capital

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An AirAsia X Airbus A330-343, with registry 9M-XXW, departs from Tokyo-Narita Airport in Japan. (Photo: Masakatsu Ukon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

AirAsia X (AAX) announced plans to launch direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi, marking the Malaysian low-cost carrier’s first foray into Africa. The new route is set to commence operations on November 15, 2024.

The airline aims to operate four weekly flights on this route, likely carrying over 156,000 travelers annually. This expansion follows AAX’s recent introduction of flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in March 2024.

This milestone embodies our mission to connect the world affordably. This new route not only opens up Asia to Africa but also has the potential to strengthen ties in tourism, business and trade between the two continents.

Tony Fernandes, Capital A CEO

The new service is expected to enhance connectivity between Asia and Africa, potentially boosting economic opportunities for both regions. AAX plans to offer seamless Fly-Thru connections, linking Kenya with 130 destinations across Southeast Asia, Northern and Central Asia, and Australia.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, stated, “We anticipate carrying over 156,000 travellers annually on this route, which will strengthen ties and boost the tourism sectors in both Malaysia and Kenya.”

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, expressed support for the new route, noting its potential to contribute to Malaysia’s goal of welcoming 35.6 million tourists and generating RM147.1 billion in receipts for Visit Malaysia 2026.

To promote the new route, AirAsia X is offering a limited-time promotion with free base fares on Economy seats for bookings made through the AirAsia MOVE app until July 14, 2024, for travel between November 15, 2024, and October 8, 2025.

The flight schedule for the Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Nairobi (NBO) route is as follows:

  • Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi (D7-101): Departing 19:00, arriving 23:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
  • Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur (D7-102): Departing 00:30, arriving 15:10 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

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