In a strategic move set to elevate the connectivity between East African countries, Ethiopian Airlines has revealed plans to enhance its service between Addis Ababa and Mombasa, effective from mid-September 2023. The decision comes hot on the heels of Kenya’s recent approval, granting Ethiopian Airlines and flydubai the opportunity to increase flight frequencies to the popular tourist destination. While this expansion holds the promise of greater options for travelers, it also has the potential to intensify competition within the region’s aviation sector.
Starting September 15, 2023, Ethiopian Airlines will introduce a second daily flight on the Addis Ababa – Mombasa route, utilizing the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. These additional flights, departing in the afternoon and evening, will provide a wider range of travel choices for passengers looking to explore the scenic landscapes and vibrant cultures of Ethiopia and Kenya.
The new flight schedule is as follows:
ET322: Departure from Addis Ababa (ADD) at 09:00, Arrival in Mombasa (MBA) at 11:20, Operating daily.
ET324: Departure from Addis Ababa (ADD) at 15:30, Arrival in Mombasa (MBA) at 17:50, Operating daily.
ET323: Departure from Mombasa (MBA) at 12:15, Arrival in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 14:35, Operating daily.
ET325: Departure from Mombasa (MBA) at 18:40, Arrival in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 21:00, Operating daily.
This expansion aligns with Kenya’s Open Skies Policy, a forward-looking initiative designed to facilitate easier access and more flexible regulations for foreign airlines operating within the country’s national airports. The policy has garnered both support and opposition, reflecting the delicate balance between fostering increased tourism and commerce, and safeguarding the interests of local carriers, exemplified by Kenya Airways.
The implications of this development extend beyond the realm of aviation. With more international flights poised to touch down in Mombasa, the region is poised to benefit from an influx of tourists, potentially occupying over 40,000 beds and generating ample employment opportunities for the youth. This injection of economic activity could serve as a catalyst for the region’s prosperity.
However, not all parties are uniformly enthused about the expansion. Kenya Airways has expressed concerns regarding the perceived lack of reciprocity in the agreements forged with foreign airlines. The entrance of additional global players into Mombasa’s aviation landscape is expected to ratchet up the competitive stakes, pushing airlines to innovate and refine their offerings to capture the discerning traveler’s attention.
As Ethiopian Airlines and flydubai celebrate their green-lighted plans, the skies above the East African region are poised for transformation. The increased flight frequencies represent a pivotal step towards enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and driving economic growth. As the industry anticipates the mid-September launch, the trajectory of East Africa’s aviation sector is set to soar to new heights.
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