TAAG Angola Airlines has officially launched direct flight operations between Luanda, Angola, and Nairobi, Kenya, marking a significant milestone in African aviation and the airline’s entry into the Kenyan market.
The maiden flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute that symbolized the historic nature of this new aviation link. The aircraft carried commercial passengers alongside a distinguished delegation of government officials and diplomats from both Angola and Kenya, emphasizing the diplomatic significance of the route launch.
The arrival ceremony featured traditional Kenyan performances and speeches from officials from both nations, highlighting the strengthened bilateral relations and the importance of this new connectivity.
The new service operates three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, utilizing TAAG’s modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft. With a flight duration of approximately four hours, the route offers convenient scheduling flexibility for various traveler categories.
The aircraft configuration accommodates 137 passengers across three service classes: 12 seats in business class, 35 in premium economy, and 90 in economy class, providing comprehensive seating options for different travel preferences and budgets.
This direct service establishes a crucial link between Southern and Eastern Africa, significantly enhancing intra-continental mobility and regional integration. Both Luanda and Nairobi serve as important aviation hubs connecting Africa to global markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, making this route strategically valuable for international connectivity.
The launch represents a broader trend of improving intra-Africa flight networks, as African nations increasingly prioritize enhanced continental connectivity to facilitate easier and more efficient travel within the continent.
The direct connection is expected to substantially boost bilateral trade between Angola and Kenya while opening new opportunities for tourism development in both countries. Kenya’s established tourism sector, featuring safari experiences and coastal attractions, combined with Angola’s emerging tourism market, creates significant potential for cross-regional visitor exchanges.
The route enhances access to regional and global markets for both nations, supporting economic integration and creating new avenues for business collaboration across Southern and Eastern Africa.
TAAG Angola Airlines’ expansion into Kenya demonstrates the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity across Africa. The service positions both countries to benefit from increased international tourist arrivals and improved business travel options, contributing to the continued growth of African aviation and tourism sectors.
This historic route launch signifies a new era in African air travel, fostering greater regional cooperation and making both Angola and Kenya more accessible to travelers worldwide.
