Air India has announced a codeshare partnership with Kenya Airways to improve seamless connectivity between India, Africa and beyond. This agreement builds on the existing interline partnership between the airlines, offering passengers expanded travel options and streamlined service.
As part of the codeshare agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Kenya Airways’ twice-daily flights between Nairobi and Mumbai, offering passengers onward connectivity to destinations including Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Malé, Melbourne, and Singapore via Mumbai. Conversely, Kenya Airways will place its ‘KQ’ designator code on Air India’s flights between Delhi and Nairobi, facilitating seamless travel for African passengers to the Indian capital and beyond.
Nipun AGGARWAL, Chief Commercial officer, Air India, highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership: “Deepening collaboration with Kenya Airways is aligned with Air India’s vision of global growth and market strengthening.”
This partnership will be of great benefit to travellers from both regions, while increasing air traffic between India Africa.
Kenya is looking to attract high-end travellers and group tourists from India in order to increase its share of the tourism market. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), which promotes Kenya’s diverse offerings, is holding roadshows in Ahmedabad Bangalore and Kolkata to highlight Kenya’s diverse offers beyond the popular Masai mara. Kenya is poised to grow its Indian arrivals with improved air connectivity and Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA).
The agreement further enhances the interline partnership, allowing travellers to book a single itinerary with a unified baggage policy for hassle-free transit between 28 African destinations—including Accra, Johannesburg, Dar Es Salaam, and Seychelles—and 15 Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Service Officer, Julius Thairu expressed his excitement about the collaboration:
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership.”
This codeshare offers passengers greater connectivity across both airlines’ extensive routes. Both airlines plan to add more destinations to their codeshare agreement in the future, enhancing the passenger’s experience and fostering cultural and economic exchanges between India & Africa. Bookings for flights under the codeshare can be made via Air India’s and Kenya Airways’ official channels, as well as travel agents.
