Kenyan airlines have expanded services to meet rising travel demand during the 2019 festive season, with budget carriers introducing additional routes to coastal and lakeside regions. Jambojet added 54 weekly flights across key corridors, including enhanced return services to Mombasa, Ukunda, Malindi, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
Safarilink Airline CEO Alex Avedi confirmed the carrier increased flights to coastal towns like Ukunda, Lamu, and Vipingo, as well as Kisumu, citing full bookings through early 2020. "The festive season has driven unprecedented demand for air travel," Avedi stated in an interview with Shipping & Logistics.
Flight prices vary significantly, with Jambojet offering tickets from Sh4,300 to Sh7,800, while Skyward Express charges between Sh5,500 and Sh8,950 in December. Fly540’s fares range from Sh5,300 to Sh15,000, peaking during Christmas week.
Economist Toni Watima attributed the surge to budget carriers’ low fares and targeted marketing. "These airlines have tapped into an untapped market, drawing passengers who previously relied on trains or buses," he said. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Nairobi and Mombasa remains fully booked through December 23, pushing travelers toward air travel.
The SGR, launched in 2017, operates with 15 economy and three first-class coaches, accommodating 1,260 passengers per train. Despite additional coaches, demand has outpaced capacity, forcing some travelers to seek alternative transport options.
