Brussels Airlines has experienced a strong demand for its flights to Nairobi, with 50 000 tickets already booked prior to the launch of the six-times weekly service between Brussels and the Kenyan capital on June 3.  

The route has been reinstated after a nine-year hiatus.

Dorethea von Boxberg, CEO of the airline, said that the carrier’s home market had displayed a high interest in exploring Kenya.

“Our first flights to Nairobi are completely full. Nairobi is a vibrant city and the perfect gateway for an unforgettable trip to Kenya,”said Von Boxberg.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) expects the route to open new gateways into Europe and the US, considering the many flight connections available from the Belgian capital.  

Europe is the second highest source market for Kenya after the US, contributing 572 352 arrivals (29% of the overall share) last year. 

“Connectivity is our key enabler in tourism arrivals into Kenya and we believe that Brussels Airlines will be a major boost towards this front,” said June Chepkemei, CEO of KTB.

Brussels Airlines is the expert on Africa within Lufthansa Group, currently connecting to 18 destinations in sub-Saharan Africa.