Air India and Kenya Airways have announced a new codeshare partnership to enhance seamless connectivity between India, Africa, and beyond. This agreement builds upon the airlines’ existing interline partnership, providing passengers with expanded travel options and streamlined services.
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, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership: “Deepening our collaboration with Kenya Airways aligns with Air India’s vision of global expansion and market strengthening. This partnership will greatly benefit travellers from both regions while boosting air traffic between India and Africa.”
Kenya is focusing on attracting high-end and group travellers from India to expand its tourism market share. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is hosting roadshows in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata, highlighting Kenya’s diverse offerings beyond the popular Masai Mara. With improved air connectivity and the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, Kenya is poised for further growth in Indian arrivals.
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. Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Kenya Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air India. This codeshare will offer passengers greater connectivity and convenience across both airlines’ extensive networks.”
With plans to progressively add more destinations to the codeshare agreement, both airlines are committed to enhancing the passenger experience while fostering economic and cultural exchanges between India and Africa. Flights under the codeshare are available for booking via Air India and Kenya Airways’ official channels and travel agents.
