Istanbul and Mombasa – one straddling Europe and Asia, the other anchoring the East African coast – will be linked again by direct flights from October 26, when Turkish Airlines restores a route it had been forced to abandon in 2023 due to circumstances triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The resumption of direct air connectivity between these two ancient cities is about more than cashing in on renewed demand and filling seats. Those in the know see it as an extension of a deepening economic and diplomatic relationship between Türkiye and Kenya that stretches back over half a century.
Turkish Airlines first flew into Kenya in 2009, linking Istanbul with Nairobi. Three years later, it launched the Istanbul-Kilimanjaro-Mombasa route, which became a non-stop service by 2016.
At its peak, the airline operated five to seven weekly flights to Mombasa before the pandemic forced a pause. The route was suspended permanently in October 2023, although Turkish Airlines still runs daily flights between Istanbul and Nairobi that consistently run full.
Diplomatic foundations
Türkiye established its embassy in Nairobi in 1968, making it one of the first nations to forge diplomatic ties with newly independent Kenya. That early commitment laid the groundwork for sustained high-level engagement, including visits by the then President Daniel arap Moi, to Türkiye in 1996, and former Turkish President Abdullah Gül to Kenya in 2009.
In 2014, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta continued the diplomatic exchange on his maiden state visit to Türkiye, signing key agreements on security, trade and energy.
Two years later, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a state visit to Nairobi, accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdoğan and a 150-strong business delegation that participated in talks
In keeping with the spirit of Türkiye-Kenya ties, President Erdoğan ensured the visit wasn't just about strengthening strategic, mutually beneficial interests. He took time out to visit the mausoleum of Kenya's founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and lay a wreath at his final resting place.
Economic opportunity
The restored Istanbul-Mombasa connection is part of a conscious effort on both sides to build on their thriving economic alliance, targeting US $1 billion worth of bilateral trade.
The building blocks for this ambitious target are already in place. Kenya serves as the gateway to East and Central Africa, while Türkiye offers a lucrative market for Kenyan goods and services.
Kenya's principal secretary for trade, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, believes the route's significance for exporters cannot be over-emphasised.
"As a country with growing horticultural and agricultural exports, we see this as an opportunity to further boost our trade, especially as we expand coffee exports to the Turkish market," he tells TRT Afrika.
Mombasa County governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir views Turkish Airlines' decision to revive its direct flight to the city as "a major win for our tourism and logistics sectors".
"This route does more than connect two airports; it connects two cultures with a shared ethos," says Adem Koç, a Nairobi-based Turkish expert on Africa.
"I have observed a remarkable synergy between the hardworking, entrepreneurial spirit of Kenyans and the tireless energy of Istanbul, a city that never sleeps. This flight will build a bridge not just for trade, but for people who share a sense of respect, integration and coexistence."
Tale of two cities
Istanbul and Mombasa share a maritime identity that connects them at a subliminal level. Türkiye's beating heart, home to 16 million people, and the cradle of Swahili civilisation are both ancient melting pots shaped by their coastlines in more ways than one.
Mombasa's Old Town winds through narrow streets where Swahili, Arab and Portuguese influences merge, much like Istanbul's historic quarters.
Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is living proof of centuries of maritime trade and conflict. The daily passage of the Likoni Ferry mirrors Istanbul's iconic ferry crossings between Europe and Asia.
Both cities are also known for their vibrant street food cultures, warm hospitality and cultural traditions.
Mombasa, Kenya's principal port and major tourism centre, has long imported food, household goods and construction materials from Türkiye. Experts believe the renewed air link would ease trade flows, attract more Turkish investment and boost coastal tourism.
Global connectivity
Turkish Airlines operates the world's most extensive network, flying to an unparalleled 64 destinations across 42 African countries.
The carrier recently won three 2025 APEX Awards, including the World Class Award for the fifth consecutive year, alongside honours for sustainability and food and beverage excellence.
Istanbul Airport, the airline's hub and Europe's largest, was named the world's best airport by Travel + Leisure magazine for the second consecutive year.
According to Türkiye's transport and infrastructure minister, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkish airports handled 187.4 million passengers between January and September 2025, including direct transits. The statistics represent a 7.6% year-on-year increase.
Mohammed Hersi, former chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation, couldn't be happier that Mombasa is back on Turkish Airlines' map.
"The fact that Mombasa will be directly connected to Istanbul airport, one of the busiest airports in the heart of Europe and Asia, is very good news, and long overdue. It means that we will be able to tap into all those cities where they fly," he tells TRT Afrika.
Besides Mombasa, the connection will serve a swathe of the coastal tourism circuit, including Diani, Malindi, Watamu and Lamu.
With Kenya offering Turkish citizens simplified entry through an Electronic Travel Authorisation system, the restored route is set to become a busy corridor for investors and travellers alike.
