Kenya, 27 October 2025 — Turkish Airlines has officially resumed its direct flights between Istanbul and Mombasa, marking a major milestone for Kenya’s coastal tourism, trade, and global connectivity.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the inaugural flight landed at Moi International Airport early Monday morning and was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute, a symbolic gesture celebrating the revival of a crucial international route. Airport officials, tourism stakeholders, and government representatives attended the event to welcome the crew and passengers aboard the flight.
The airline will now operate three weekly flights using the modern Boeing 737 MAX 8, offering both passenger service and up to eight tons of belly cargo capacity per trip. The reinstated route is expected to enhance regional commerce, promote cultural exchange, and provide a seamless travel experience linking East Africa with Europe and beyond.
“The renewed route connects Kenya’s coast to the world, fueling tourism, trade, and adventure,” read part of the KAA statement.
Turkish Airlines also celebrated the milestone on social media, declaring:
“Jambo Mombasa! Starting 26 October, this stunning coastal city is just a flight away!”
The resumption of the Istanbul–Mombasa route not only reestablishes a vital air bridge between the two cities but also positions Mombasa as a gateway to global tourism, trade, and cultural storytelling. With its pristine beaches, vibrant Swahili culture, and strategic location on the Indian Ocean, Mombasa remains one of East Africa’s most important travel and business hubs.
Industry players have welcomed the move, noting that the timing coincides with Kenya’s peak tourism season.
“This development is a great boost for tourism and trade across the coastal region. Direct flights make Mombasa more accessible to European travelers and business communities,” said a representative from the Kenya Tourism Federation.
The renewed service is expected to stimulate investment opportunities, strengthen business ties, and attract more visitors eager to explore Kenya’s coastline from Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus to the pristine beaches of Diani, Watamu, and Malindi.
With Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network covering more than 120 countries, the Mombasa route connects Kenya’s coast to the world like never before, offering a renewed sense of optimism for the region’s tourism and trade sectors.