Skyward Express Launches Nairobi-Malindi Route

Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary James Macharia this morning launched a new air route by Skywards Airlines, the Nairobi-Malindi-Lamu route.

According to the CS Macharia, the Government welcomes this development as additional flights to local destinations will support the growth of local tourism whilst international passenger travel remains subdued.

The airline already has flights to Eldoret, Lamu, Lodwar, Mombasa, and Ukunda and the Malindi route completes an important piece for Skyward Express’s network, cementing its position as one of the leading local carriers.

The launch of the new route is boon to the tourism sector which has been pushing domestic tourism as a recovery measure following the decline in foreign guest arrivals linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This is an exciting and pivotal moment for us. It fits within our strategy to enhance the local tourism network and to open up Malindi further to local traffic. We are honoured to contribute to the growth of the tourism sector in Malindi and the neighbouring towns such as Watamu and Mambrui.” said Skyward Express Chairman and CEO Captain Mohamed Abdi.

Captain Mohamed says that the decision to fly to the new destination is strategic. “Malindi is a leading tourism destination, globally acclaimed for its pristine beaches and unique cultural sites. By flying to Malindi, Skyward will be hoping to tap the anticipated increase in traffic to Malindi and Watamu that local tourists have been frequenting in the last few months,” said Mohamed.

The airline will operate its state of the art Dash8 q100 with a seating capacity of 37 passengers with fares from Nairobi, Wilson Airport to Malindi, Malindi Airport starting from KES 3,950 (including taxes). The airline will also operate short flights connecting Malindi and Lamu at KES 2,950.

The flight will depart every day from Skyward’s Wilson airport hub in Nairobi at 14:10 arriving at Malindi Airport at 15:20. From Malindi, it will depart at 17:10 landing at Wilson Airport at 18:20. The flight’s duration will be 1 hour 10 minutes.