This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
On July 26, 2021, Moi International Airport in Mombasa welcomed the Euro Wings Discover, a commercial flight operated by leisure airline within the Lufthansa Group, marking a significant milestone in the recovery of Kenya's tourism industry.
The Airbus A330 aircraft, emblazoned with the Euro Wings Discover logo, touched down at 5:11 am to a warm reception from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Fire Brigade and a cultural performance by the Bombolulu dance troupe.
Principal Secretary for Tourism, Safina Kwekwe, led the state delegation in welcoming the aircraft, which was en route to Zanzibar. She noted that 50 passengers disembarked from the aircraft, leaving 140 to proceed to Zanzibar.
"We are delighted to receive Euro Wings Discover flight. We are working towards ensuring a conducive environment that allows vibrant air travel system to support tourism," Kwekwe said.
The new service gives hope to Kenyan tourism's full recovery after about two years of low business occasioned by COVID-19. Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive, Betty Radier, said the airline signalled the growing confidence in destination Kenya despite the pandemic.
"Commencement of this direct flight to Mombasa by Euro Wings Discover would offer a different opportunity to travellers who wanted to visit for both leisure and business," Radier said in a speech read on her behalf by Company Secretary Allan Njoroge.
German Ambassador to Kenya, Annet Gunter, observed that the arrival of the new airline was a testament to the good bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany.
