From Sky to Sea: New Flights and Routes Making East Africa More Accessible

Imeru Wambui
Aug 29
8 min read

East Africa is becoming more accessible than ever before, thanks to a wave of new flights and routes launched in 2025 that are transforming travel across the region. From bustling capital cities to iconic safari destinations and pristine beach getaways, travelers now enjoy smoother, more direct, and more frequent connections that open up exciting opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.

The expansion is underpinned by ongoing improvements in infrastructure and liberalized airspace agreements within the East African Community, aimed at reducing fares by about 9% and increasing flight frequencies by over 40%. This liberalization is expected to create over 46,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the regional GDP, further catalyzing economic growth and regional integration.

Several major international airlines have expanded their East African networks significantly this year. For example,

Air France resumed flights to Tanzania after a 28-year gap with three weekly flights linking Paris to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Zanzibar.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to connect Washington, DC to Addis Ababa with a well-integrated network across East Africa.
Turkish Airlines now operates twice-daily flights to Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar from several U.S. cities, including a new route from Denver.
Gulf Air relaunched direct flights to Nairobi in June 2025 after a decade, operating five weekly flights with modern aircraft.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways is doubling its weekly flights to Nairobi starting in December 2025, reinforcing the Middle East-East Africa corridor with complementary routes to other African destinations like Addis Ababa and Johannesburg.

Regional connectivity within East Africa is also getting a major boost.

Arusha Airport in Tanzania has begun receiving international flights, which, coupled with new direct routes such as Kenya’s ALS airline flying directly from Nairobi to Arusha Airport, dramatically reduces travel times and road transfers for tourists combining trips in Kenya and Tanzania.
Flightlink has introduced new routes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Arusha and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Zanzibar, enhancing regional travel options.
South Africa’s Airlink added night flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi, increasing frequency to 10 flights per week, catering to business and leisure travelers alike.

Beyond East Africa, new routes from global airlines like United and Delta are enhancing access to the continent’s top tourism hubs.

United Airlines started direct flights from Washington Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, while Delta launched new seasonal routes connecting Atlanta and New York with key African cities, including Accra (Ghana), Marrakech (Morocco), and Lagos (Nigeria).

These new connections are making it easier for travelers from North America and Europe to reach East Africa’s unique wildlife safaris, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes.

The Sky: New Flight Routes Boosting Connectivity

A. International & Long-Haul Launches

SalamAir is launching Muscat → Nairobi flights as of February 2025, offering affordable fares from just $129, reviving a previously suspended route
Kenya Airways debuts a London Gatwick ↔ Nairobi route from 2 July 2025, flying three times per week and boosting UK connections to a total of 10 weekly flights
Gulf Air has relaunched Bahrain → Nairobi flights (five weekly services) as of June 2025.
Uganda Airlines introduces an Entebbe → London Gatwick route on 18 May 2025, operating four weekly flights using Airbus A330-800neo, marking its first direct UK link
Qatar Airways returns to Kigali with Doha → Kigali flights as of 14 May 2025, offering four weekly services via Airbus A320-200
AirAsia X launched Kuala Lumpur → Nairobi in late 2024, but has suspended it from 1 September 2025 due to low demand
Air France resumed Paris → Kilimanjaro (via Zanzibar) services in early 2025, offering three flights weekly on Airbus A350-900
Turkish Airlines has ramped up twice-daily flights to Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar, enhancing East African access via Istanbul

B. Expanded Frequencies & Partnerships

Etihad Airways will double its Abu Dhabi → Nairobi frequencies to 14 weekly flights starting 15 December 2025, along with adding new African routes and partnerships
Etihad's code-share with Ethiopian Airlines includes launching daily services to Addis Ababa from 8 October 2025 and reciprocal Ethiopian flights from mid-July
Ethiopian Airlines also runs a new Addis Ababa → Hyderabad route (India) three times a week, launched mid-June 2025

C. Regional Air Network Enhancements

Brussels Airlines upgraded Brussels → Nairobi to daily flights in summer 2025 and maintains daily Brussels → Kigali routes
Airlink added three weekly night flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi starting March 30, 2025, raising the weekly total to ten
South African Airways resumed a daily Johannesburg → Dar es Salaam service in January 2025
Miracle Air, operating luxury charters in Tanzania since January 2025, offers scenic aerial transfers to Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar

D. Airport Upgrades & New Infrastructure

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) is undergoing a $2 billion upgrade, including a second runway and a new terminal, planned by Kenya’s government and financed via development banks and securitized bonds
Kabalega International Airport in Uganda is slated to commence operations by 13 August 2025, expanding regional access
Kidepo International Airport is also in development near Kidepo National Park, aiming to better open up northeastern Uganda to international tourists
Entebbe International Airport is expanding its cargo handling and passenger capacity to 3.5 million annually, including a new cargo terminal and upgraded infrastructure

The Sea and Waterways: Enhancing Coastal & Lake Connectivity

A. Cruise Tourism Growth

The luxury cruise ship MV Crystal Symphony docked in Mombasa on 31 March 2025, marking Kenya’s growing appeal to global cruise liners. This followed the arrival of Norwegian Dawn the previous month

B. Ferries & Marine Conservation

Tanzania declared two new marine protected areas (MPAs) around Pemba Island in June 2025, supporting sustainable tourism and conservation

Economic & Tourism Impact

East Africa’s expanding flight and ferry networks are not just about convenience, they’re reshaping the region’s tourism economy, business travel market, and local livelihoods.

Tourism Growth & Diversification

Increased Visitor Numbers: Direct long-haul routes, such as London Gatwick → Nairobi and Paris → Kilimanjaro, cut travel times and reduce the need for layovers, making East Africa more attractive for short vacations and last-minute bookings.
Wider Geographic Spread: New airports like Kabalega International will funnel tourists directly to emerging regions, such as Uganda’s oil belt and Murchison Falls area, rather than concentrating arrivals in traditional hubs like Nairobi or Entebbe.
Year-Round Tourism: More flights from Europe and the Gulf help maintain steady visitor flows during shoulder seasons, supporting hotels, tour operators, and local guides year-round.

Boost to Regional Trade & Business Travel

Air Freight & Cargo: Airport expansions in Nairobi and Entebbe will enhance the export capacity for fresh flowers, seafood, coffee, and artisanal products to global markets.
Business Hubs: Cities like Kigali and Nairobi are positioning themselves as conference and startup capitals, benefiting from improved connectivity with hubs like Doha, Istanbul, and Dubai.
Faster Cross-Border Mobility: Budget carriers and short-haul flights—such as Johannesburg → Nairobi by Airlink—encourage intra-African trade missions and corporate travel.

Cultural Exchange & Diaspora Engagement

Direct flights from diaspora-heavy regions (London, Gulf states, North America) make it easier for East Africans abroad to visit more frequently, attend cultural events, or invest locally.
This also fuels cultural tourism, such as heritage tours, music festivals, and culinary events in places like Zanzibar, Lamu, and Kigali.

Cruise & Coastal Economy Development

Cruise arrivals in Mombasa bring thousands of passengers who spend on local tours, restaurants, and handicrafts, injecting immediate revenue into coastal economies.
The rise of marine protected areas in Tanzania boosts eco-tourism potential, attracting divers, snorkelers, and conservation volunteers who stay longer and spend more.

Community Empowerment & Job Creation

Each new flight or route creates demand for pilots, ground crew, hospitality staff, tour guides, and local suppliers—from farmers selling to hotels to artisans supplying craft markets.
Infrastructure projects like airport terminals also generate construction jobs and long-term operational employment.

Environmental Considerations

More routes mean more emissions, so there’s a growing push for eco-conscious travel packages that combine carbon offsetting with conservation contributions.
Airlines like Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are testing biofuel and efficiency programs, which could position East Africa as a leader in green aviation on the continent

Travel Tips for 2025 Routes

1. Book Early — But Know the Sweet Spot

For high-demand new routes (e.g., London Gatwick → Nairobi), prices can spike within weeks of launch announcements. Book 3–6 months in advance for the best fares.
For regional budget airlines, last-minute sales often appear 2–4 weeks before departure if demand is low.

2. Mix and Match Airlines

Don’t limit yourself to one carrier; combine long-haul flights with regional connectors like Jambojet, Precision Air, or Airlink for lower overall costs.
Some new international routes pair perfectly with short scenic flights (e.g., Nairobi → Zanzibar or Kigali → Serengeti).

3. Combine Air and Sea

Use ferry links like Mombasa ↔ Zanzibar to add a coastal escape after a safari.
If arriving via cruise, plan an inland flight to nearby national parks for a two-in-one vacation.

4. Travel Off-Peak for Savings

The cheapest periods for international flights into East Africa are mid-April to early June and September to early December.
Even new routes tend to offer promotional fares in these shoulder months.

5. Check New Visa and Entry Rules

Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda now have a single East African Tourist Visa, ideal if your itinerary spans multiple countries.
Some cruise arrivals offer visa-on-arrival at ports like Mombasa and Zanzibar — confirm before booking.

6. Explore Secondary Airports

With upgrades at smaller airports (like Kabalega in Uganda), you can skip crowded hubs and fly closer to your final destination, saving time and transfers.
Secondary airports also often have lower taxes and fees, which can reduce ticket costs.

7. Prioritize Eco-Friendly Travel

Look for airlines with carbon offset programs or fuel efficiency initiatives.
Choose tour operators that work with community-owned lodges or marine conservation groups.

8. Plan Layovers as Mini Trips

Routes via hubs like Istanbul, Doha, or Addis Ababa can be turned into stopover vacations — some airlines even offer free hotel nights for long layovers.
This way, your journey to East Africa includes an extra cultural experience without extra airfare.

9. Pack Smart for Multi-Mode Travel

If combining air and ferry travel, pack light and flexible luggage — ferries often have stricter weight limits.
Keep important documents and valuables in a waterproof bag when using sea routes

Book early—routes like Kenya Airways’ London Gatwick service are expected to fill quickly.
Combine modes: Layer air routes with charters like Miracle Air or arrange safari transfers from land or air.
Be eco-conscious: Opt for itineraries that include MPAs or national parks supporting conservation.

Conclusion

East Africa is soaring in accessibility from direct international flights to cutting-edge infrastructure and sea routes. Whether you’re dreaming of a safari, coastal escape, or cultural journey, 2025 delivers more routes, better service, and stunning vistas. Ready to plan your trip? Let me know your travel interests, safaris, coastal island stays, and cultural explorations, and I can craft an itinerary using these exciting new connections.

In summary, 2025 marks a milestone year for East African air travel. With more direct international flights, improved regional connections, and significant infrastructure upgrades, East Africa is now more accessible from sky to sea. Whether you’re planning a safari adventure, a beach holiday in Zanzibar, or business travel across the region, these new routes offer unprecedented convenience and choice for exploring one of Africa’s most dynamic destinations.

This boom in connectivity not only promises more seamless travel experiences but also bodes well for growing tourism, business opportunities, and stronger regional ties in East Africa and beyond.

If you’re ready to explore East Africa with ease, these new flights and routes provide the perfect launchpad for your next unforgettable journey.