Kenya Airways Expands to London Gatwick with New Direct Flights

Kenya Airways (KQ) will launch direct flights between Nairobi and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on July 2, 2025. This new route adds three weekly flights to the airline's existing daily service to London Heathrow (LHR), bringing its total UK frequency to 10. This expansion aims to strengthen trade, tourism, and connectivity between East Africa and the United Kingdom.

An Overview of Kenya Airways' New Route to Gatwick

Starting in July 2025, Kenya Airways will operate flights to Gatwick on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The route will utilise the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. By serving both Heathrow and Gatwick, the airline provides passengers with more arrival options and flexible schedules, improving access for travellers from Kenya, the broader East African region, and the UK.

Increased Frequency of Flights to the UK

The addition of Gatwick increases KQ’s UK presence, a market the airline identifies as vital for business, education, and the Kenyan diaspora. The Group Managing Director and CEO noted that Gatwick serves as a strategic gateway, offering guests more scheduling choices to suit their specific travel preferences.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: A Comfortable Travel Experience

The Nairobi-Gatwick route features the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, configured with:

• 30 Business Class seats
• 204 Economy Class seats

The aircraft is designed for long-haul comfort, featuring enhanced legroom, larger windows, and improved air filtration. This service also enables seamless transfers through Nairobi to sub-Saharan destinations, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Dar es Salaam.

Gatwick Airport - Strategic Location

Located 47.5 kilometres south of Central London, Gatwick is a primary hub for travellers in Southern and Southeast England. It offers robust European connections and efficient transport links, such as the Gatwick Express, which provides rapid transit to the city centre.

Economic Impact on Tourism 

The new Gatwick service is expected to stimulate economic growth by facilitating more effortless movement for business professionals, academics, and tourists. It also provides more accessible travel options for the diaspora community. The airline views this expansion as a core component of its broader European growth strategy to enhance socio-economic exchange between Kenya and the UK.

Conclusion

By operating at both Heathrow and Gatwick, Kenya Airways provides superior flexibility and connectivity. This expansion solidifies the airline's role as a central African aviation hub and promises to bolster trade and cultural ties between East Africa and the United Kingdom.