KQ's Direct Luanda Flights to Cut Costs, Long Layovers

Kenya Airways (KQ) will resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, from March, cutting long layovers and reducing ticket costs for passengers.

The move follows Angola’s decision to grant Kenyans visa-free access, reciprocating Nairobi’s earlier gesture to Angolans.

Currently, passengers flying to Luanda on KQ endure layovers in Johannesburg before connecting through South African Airlink, with one-way tickets costing over KSh 160,000.

The direct flights are expected to ease travel and boost trade and tourism between the two countries.

The resumption of flights was announced on Wednesday after a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço at the presidential palace in Luanda.

The leaders hailed the development as a milestone in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

“This will enable professionals like teachers to access Angola much more easily,” Dr Ruto said, as Angola committed to removing visa barriers for Kenyans.

The talks also touched on African continental issues, including reforms of the African Union (AU) and peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.

President Ruto, who is spearheading AU institutional reforms, invited Lourenço to a retreat in Kenya later this month ahead of the AU Heads of State Summit in February.

On the Luanda Process for peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the two leaders underscored the need for a joint meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to consolidate efforts.

“Peace and security on our continent are of paramount importance to us all,” Dr Ruto said, adding that an inclusive process would ensure success.

President Ruto also sought Angola’s backing for Raila Odinga’s bid for the AU Commission chairperson position.

Ruto, who arrived in Luanda after attending Ghanaian President John Mahama’s inauguration in Accra, also discussed trade ties with Lourenço.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org