Turkish Airlines has received official approval to relaunch direct flights between Istanbul and Mombasa, marking its return to Kenya’s coastal city after a five-year absence. The move is seen as a significant step in revitalizing tourism and expanding international access to Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline.
The flight clearance—confirmed by aviation sources and members of the Kenya Tourism Federation—comes as Kenya continues to embrace its open skies policy, which has long aimed to attract more global carriers to destinations beyond Nairobi. Mombasa, a popular hub for beach vacations and safari excursions, is expected to benefit substantially from the airline’s return.
Although no official start date has been announced, preparations for scheduling and operations are underway. Turkish Airlines had initially launched the Mombasa route in 2011, offering travelers—especially from Italy and other parts of Europe—more convenient, one-stop access to Kenya via Istanbul. The route became especially popular among tourists from regional cities in Italy and Germany that lacked direct long-haul services to East Africa.
Until now, Ethiopian Airlines has held a near-monopoly on flights connecting Mombasa with Italy, complemented only by a limited number of charter services. The re-entry of Turkish Airlines is expected to enhance competition, improve accessibility, and potentially lower costs for international travelers.
The development aligns with Kenya’s broader tourism strategy, which includes diversifying entry points and airline partnerships to achieve its goal of 5 million international arrivals by 2027. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano recently reaffirmed the government’s intent to facilitate more routes and streamline travel processes.
In a further sign of growing interest, Qatar Airways is reportedly assessing the viability of a new Doha–Mombasa connection, which could widen Kenya’s reach across the Middle East and beyond.
With Turkish Airlines set to reopen a vital air bridge between Europe and Kenya’s coast, and other global carriers eyeing the region, Mombasa is poised to strengthen its position as a premier destination for sun, sea, and safari tourism.