Kenya Airways has strengthened its commitment to the Nigerian market by increasing its Lagos service to six weekly flights while unveiling plans to resume Abuja operations and deepen partnerships aimed at boosting business, leisure and medical travel between both countries.
The airline announced the expansion during an awards dinner held to honour travel agencies and industry partners for their contribution to its growth in Nigeria. The increased Lagos frequency, which will be operated with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, forms part of the carrier’s broader strategy to expand capacity and improve connectivity through its Nairobi hub.
Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, said Nigeria remains one of Kenya Airways’ strongest markets, noting that passenger traffic has grown significantly following Kenya’s visa-free policy for African travellers. He said the airline intends to build on that momentum by deploying more capacity to Lagos before eventually restoring services to Abuja.
According to him, Kenya Airways ultimately aims to operate twice-daily Dreamliner flights to Lagos while reconnecting Abuja to Nairobi as additional aircraft join its fleet. He explained that Abuja remains a strategic destination because it links the political capitals of both countries and serves growing business and diplomatic traffic.
Thairu added that the airline is also exploring partnerships with Nigerian domestic carriers to provide seamless connections from Lagos and Abuja to other cities across the country, making its regional and international network more accessible to Nigerian travellers.
Country Manager for Nigeria, James Nganga, said the airline remains focused on strengthening trade, tourism and investment links between both countries. Beyond business travel, he said Kenya Airways is promoting Kenya as a leisure and medical tourism destination through its partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi.
General Manager for West Africa and the Americas, Stephen Ngamau, reaffirmed the airline’s long-term investment plans for Nigeria, saying the increase to six weekly Lagos flights reflects confidence in the market and growing passenger demand.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Isaac Keen Parashina, described Nigeria as one of Kenya’s most important markets, noting that the country’s visa-free policy has encouraged greater movement of people, strengthened regional integration and stimulated tourism. He said Kenya Airways plays a critical role in connecting Nigerians to Kenya and onward destinations across Africa and beyond.
The event also recognised the contributions of travel agencies and tour operators that have supported the airline’s commercial performance in Nigeria. Wakanow emerged as one of the biggest winners, receiving awards including Overall Best Seller Intra-Africa, Best Selling Agent Europe and America, and Best Seller to Destination Kenya. Other award recipients included 247 Travels, Satguru Travels, American Express Global Business Travel, FCM Travel, Bon Voyage Travels, Tour Brokers International, Luchia Travels, Mardis Travels, Cinderella Travels and BTM Travels.
The expanded Lagos schedule and planned Abuja relaunch underscore Kenya Airways’ strategy to strengthen its presence in West Africa while positioning Nairobi as a major gateway for travel across Africa and international destinations.
