KCAA Approves New Air Routes Including Eldoret-Jeddah Link

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has approved a fresh batch of air service licenses, opening new international and domestic routes.

The decisions were published in a gazette notice dated August 7. The notice confirms approvals made under the Civil Aviation Act and the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations 2025.

Eldoret is among the main beneficiaries. The town is set to gain a new international connection linking it to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia through Nairobi.

The approvals cover passenger, cargo and mail services on routes connecting Kenyan cities to destinations in the Middle East, East Africa and beyond.

Some operators received international non-scheduled licenses for passenger, cargo and mail transport between Kenya, Tanzania and Saudi Arabia. These licenses are valid for periods of one to three years.

Other approvals cover aerial work services. These include crop spraying, wildlife surveys, aerial photography, firefighting support and game counting across East Africa and further afield.

Several domestic scheduled routes also received approval. These connect Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Lodwar, Malindi, Lamu and Garissa.

Flying instruction services within Kenya were also cleared. This means more pilot training can take place using aircraft based at airports including Wilson and Malindi.

Operators will use different aircraft types stationed at key hubs. These include Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport and other regional airstrips.

Not every application was successful. Some services, including certain scheduled routes to African capitals, were declined. The authority said the airlines failed to meet selection criteria covering home-state credentials, operational safety and economic viability.

Foreign air companies seeking to operate international services into Kenya must first obtain an Air Service License and a Foreign Air Operator Certificate from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

The approvals form part of the regular licensing process that determines which operators can offer scheduled and non-scheduled services within and beyond Kenya’s borders.