Turkish Airlines has officially resumed its direct flights to Mombasa, marking a major boost to the coastal city’s tourism and business sectors.

The relaunch follows a temporary suspension that had disrupted air connectivity between Kenya’s second-largest city and Istanbul, one of the world’s busiest international hubs.

The airline, which had stopped its operations in 2020 due to global travel disruptions, will now offer three weekly non-stop flights between Istanbul and Mombasa.

The move is expected to provide greater convenience for travelers and enhance connectivity between Kenya and Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The inaugural flight touched down at Moi International Airport Mombasa to a warm welcome from local tourism stakeholders, government officials, and airport authorities.

The airline’s return has been hailed as a key step in revitalizing Mombasa’s position as an international gateway for tourism and trade.

Speaking during the relaunch, the Turkish Ambassador to Kenya Subutay Yüksel, emphasized that the two countries are keen on strengthening their bilateral relations, noting that Mombasa and Istanbul share many similarities, including their historical and cultural richness.

“Mombasa and Istanbul are both coastal cities with deep histories and diverse cultures. This flight connection will not only enhance trade and tourism but also strengthen the friendship between our people,” said the Ambassador.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Tourism welcomed the move, saying it was a timely boost for the region’s tourism industry and a strong indicator of renewed investor confidence.

He further called for the adoption of an open skies policy to attract more international airlines to Mombasa.

“The resumption of Turkish Airlines flights is a clear sign that Mombasa remains a preferred destination. We must now embrace the open skies policy to make our city more accessible and competitive globally,” he said.

On his part Kenya Airports Authority Chairman Caleb Kositay lauded the move terming it as a big boost to local tourism industry.

"This is going to boost our tourism sector and business" said Kositany.