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The Only Way is Up: AirAsia X Unveils Landmark Route to Africa, Connecting Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi
Written by Siri Smith
AirAsia X are taking business to new heights with the unveiling of their first direct route to Nairobi, Kenya, connecting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to the capital.
In a spectacular announcement at AirAsia “RedQ” headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, AirAsia X has unveiled its first direct flight route to Nairobi, Kenya, marking the airline’s entry into the African market.
The inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is set for 15 November 2024, making Air Asia X the first low-cost carrier in Malaysia to provide direct flights to the vibrant Kenyan capital.
Speaking to a fleet of esteemed guests and media, AirAsia X CEO Benjamin Ismail said the new route aims to boost tourism in both Malaysia and Kenya, strengthening ties between the two countries. “Embarking on this new adventure into Africa is truly exhilarating…we anticipate carrying over 156,000 travellers annually on this route,” he said. “Nairobi is the centre of connections for Africa going out into the world. Accessibility to Southeast Asia or the region is close to nothing. It’s either you have to go up to Dubai or Doha to connect into the region.”
Cheaper travel for Australians
Australians looking for an affordable gateway to Africa can expect promotional one-way fares starting at A$631 from Sydney, A$463 from Perth and A$618 from Melbourne (inclusive of all taxes and charges, terms and conditions apply). “The key for us is to bring the fares as low as we can for people, for Australia it will be very cheap,” said Mr Ismail.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, Air Asia’s parent company, emphasised the broader impact of this new route: “While our roots are in Asia and ASEAN, our dream has always been to make Kuala Lumpur a global low-cost carrier hub. This expansion brings us closer to that vision, giving us solid footing to build global connections and opportunities.”
The strategic expansion is set to link Kenya with 130 destinations across Southeast Asia, Northern and Central Asia and Australia, promoting more affordable fly-through connections for travellers.
“AirAsia X’s first foray into Nairobi is indeed a proud and celebratory occasion for us Malaysians,” said YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We can look forward to receiving more travellers from Kenya to explore our beautiful destinations in Malaysia such as Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Langkawi and others,” he said.
The announcement follows the March introduction of flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, the medium-haul carrier’s first destination in Central Asia.
With promotional fares available for booking on the AirAsia MOVE app until 14 July 2024 for travel between 15 November 2024 and 8 October 2025, tourists can look forward to experiencing the near-extinct Northern White Rhino, the Great Migration in Masai Mara, Nairobi’s bustling nightlife and cultural richness.
The new routes are set to run as follows:
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Nairobi (NBO) (D7 101) 7pm-11pm on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun.
Nairobi (NBO) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL) (D7 102) 12.30am-3.10pm on Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat.
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