Kenya receives major boost after Oman Air announcement

janet ndila

March 28, 2017 11:17 AM

Kenya has received a major boost after Oman Air on Monday announced that there would direct...

File Image of Oman Air Aeroplane

Kenya has received a major boost after Oman Air on Monday announced that there would be direct flights between Nairobi and Muscat.

Making the announcement, the airline’s deputy chief executive and vice president Abdulrahman Al Busaidy stated that the flights would target travellers from and to the Middle East.

“This new Oman Air route to Nairobi is a significant development for both countries,” Al Busaidy was quoted.

The announcement comes barely a month after Kenya was granted a category one status by the US meaning there would be direct flights from Nairobi to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport.

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia announced that the flights would be launched in early May.

Mr Macharia noted that the license would be granted after officials from the US reviewed Kenya airways aircraft and its crew.

“Getting Category One status was a milestone for Kenya since in Africa only South Africa, Senegal, Cape Verde and Ethiopia enjoy that status. Our inclusion means more business for airlines using the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a hub,” he stated.

According to experts, more flights in the country would give Nairobi increased human and cargo traffic.

Tourism in Kenya would also gain more traction with Japanese, French, Korean, and German tourists coming directly in the country.

With the latest development, the National government has promised to boost security in the country to encourage more tourists.

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Kenya and had been facing a sharp decrease due to security concerns and travel advisories issued in some parts of the country.

janet ndila