Europe’s Travel Giant TUI Finally Cleared to Fly to Kenya After Months of Setbacks
TUI, Europe’s largest tour airline, has finally received approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to operate charter flights from Amsterdam to Mombasa and Zanzibar, following multiple unsuccessful attempts earlier this year.
The permit, effective from November 10, 2025, allows TUI to operate charter services on the Amsterdam-Zanzibar-Amsterdam-Mombasa route for one year. According to a notice published in the Kenya Gazette, the airline will use a Boeing 787 Dreamliner based in Amsterdam to operate two weekly flight frequencies, without traffic rights between Zanzibar and Mombasa.
This decision marks a significant reversal for TUI, whose previous application to operate the same route was rejected by the KCAA in mid-2025. At the time, the regulator denied the Dutch charter airline’s request to operate two weekly flights using the Amsterdam-based Boeing 787.
In its announcement on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the KCAA confirmed:
“Two frequencies per week without traffic rights between Zanzibar and Mombasa using aircraft type B787 based in Amsterdam.” – Business Daily
How TUI Secured the Kenyan License
Following the rejection of its initial request in June 2025, TUI made another attempt in August 2025, emphasizing its intent to operate two weekly frequencies using the Amsterdam-based B787 aircraft.
Aviation experts note that the flights will operate without traffic rights, which means TUI can transport passengers between Amsterdam and its destinations but cannot pick up or drop off passengers between Zanzibar and Mombasa. These operations fall under the first and second freedoms of the air, allowing airlines to fly over or land for technical reasons without engaging in local transport services.
Boosting Tourism and Travel Connectivity
With the new license, TUI is set to expand its charter operations across multiple destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, tapping into a tourism sector that has shown strong signs of recovery. Charter flights allow travel agencies or tour operators to hire aircraft for groups of tourists to reach specified destinations according to prearranged schedules, making international travel more accessible and efficient.
The timing of TUI’s expansion is particularly promising for Kenya. According to the Ministry of Tourism, visitor numbers increased from 1.5 million in 2022 to 2.4 million in 2024, with tourism revenue rising to KSh 452 billion, up from KSh 268 billion over the previous two years. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano attributed this growth to Kenya’s diverse attractions and robust sector portfolio.
Industry analysts predict that TUI’s entry could further stimulate Kenya’s tourism industry by improving connectivity for European travelers and enhancing the country’s profile as a prime holiday destination.
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Europe’s Travel Giant TUI Finally Cleared to Fly to Kenya After Months of Setbacks