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Kenya Airways (KQ) Guide

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Flights from Nairobi across Africa and to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and New York, fleet and cabins, baggage, check-in and how to find cheaper Kenya Airways fares. Ask a question
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In short

Kenya Airways is the flag carrier of Kenya, based at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi. It flies to about 44 destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America, and Nairobi is a common connection for East Africa. Kenya Airways belongs to SkyTeam and runs Asante Rewards. Cabins are Business and Economy.

Kenya Airways, known by its slogan “The Pride of Africa”, is Kenya’s national airline and one of Africa’s main network carriers.

Please note: bookingMentor is an independent travel service and is not affiliated with Kenya Airways. Routes, schedules and baggage rules change, so always confirm the details of your booking with the airline.

What to expect

Kenya Airways (IATA KQ) is the flag carrier of Kenya, flying from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to destinations across Africa, Europe and Asia. Branded the Pride of Africa, it suits travellers heading to East African safaris and the Kenyan coast, and people connecting between Africa and the rest of the world through Nairobi.

The 1977 founding after East African Airways

Kenya Airways was founded on 22 January 1977, after the break-up of East African Airways. It began flying on 4 February 1977. In 1996 it became the first African flag carrier to be privatised. It was the first African airline to buy the Airbus A310-300, and its first Boeing 787 arrived in April 2014. The Pride of Africa slogan came with a new livery in 2005.

Ownership today is a public-private mix. The Government of Kenya holds 48.9 per cent, a consortium of banks called KQ Lenders Company 2017 holds 38.1 per cent, and KLM holds 7.8 per cent. The head office is in Embakasi, next to the airport.

Nairobi hub and 44 destinations

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the hub. In August 2023 Kenya Airways served 44 destinations on 61 routes. The network reaches across Africa and on to Europe and Asia. Nairobi's position makes it a natural meeting point for flights between East Africa and the rest of the world.

Kenya Airways became a full member of SkyTeam in June 2010, joining partners such as Air France, KLM and Delta. Through the alliance, a single ticket can combine a European or North American flight with a Kenya Airways connection into Africa.

Jambojet and other businesses

Jambojet is the airline's wholly owned low-cost subsidiary, flying domestic routes in Kenya and short regional flights. Kenya Airways also owns African Cargo Handling Limited and 51 per cent of Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited, and it holds a stake in Tanzania's Precision Air.

Connection times and transit documents in Nairobi

Many itineraries change planes in Nairobi. Check the minimum connection time and whether you need any documents to transit Kenya, and confirm your baggage allowance on the Kenya Airways website, as it differs between routes and fares.

Travel tip: if your trip continues from Nairobi on a small aircraft to a safari airstrip, check that operator's baggage limit separately and pack for the strictest leg.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed · Updated when rules or prices change

Checked against trusted sources:
Kenya Airways official website

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  1. Kenya Airways official website
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Good to know

  • Founded1977
  • Online check-inYes

Everything you should know

Airline codes

KQ · KQA

IATA · ICAO · callsign “KENYA”

Look for KQ in front of the number on your ticket: that prefix marks a flight sold under the Kenya Airways code. Enter KQ and the number to follow a Kenya Airways departure.

Key facts

Main hub

Nairobi (NBO)

Jomo Kenyatta International

Network

About 44 destinations

Africa · Europe · Middle East · Asia · North America

Kenya Airways connects Nairobi with cities across East, West and Southern Africa, plus London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dubai and New York.

Destinations

Cabin classes

Economy

and Business

Business and Economy; Business on the Boeing 787 has flat-bed seats.

Compare cabins

Good to know

The Government of Kenya is the largest shareholder and KLM holds a small stake. Its low-cost subsidiary Jambojet flies domestic and short regional routes. Official website: kenya-airways.com.

Frequent flyer

Asante Rewards

Member of SkyTeam

Kenya Airways is a SkyTeam member; its programme is Asante Rewards.

How it works

Start a new search

One bookingMentor search puts a Kenya Airways ticket next to every other option on your route, so you can see which airline gives the better deal.

Bon voyage on your next Kenya Airways flight.

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At a glance

Kenya Airways (IATA: KQ, ICAO: KQA) is the flag carrier of Kenya, founded in 1977 and based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A SkyTeam member, it flies Boeing 787, 737 and Embraer E190 aircraft to around 44 destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and New York.

Key facts about Kenya Airways
HeadquartersEmbakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
Fleet typesBoeing 787-8, 777-300ER, 737-800, Embraer E190
Frequent flyerAsante Rewards
Official websitekenya-airways.com

Flight routes

Destinations and routes

Direct routes
The Kenya Airways network at a glance. The airline changes routes from time to time, and a search shows which KQ flights run on your dates. Search flights

Kenya & East Africa

Nairobi (NBO) departures7 destinations

Check all

Fleet and aircraft

The fleet numbers between 37 and 39 aircraft depending on the source. Long-haul flights use the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and the airline also lists the Boeing 777-300ER. Regional routes in Africa use the Boeing 737-800 and the Embraer E190.

  • Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Wide-body · 9 Long-haul routes to Europe, New York and Asia
  • Boeing 777-300ER Wide-body · 1 High-demand routes
  • Boeing 737-800 Narrow-body · 9 African and Middle East routes
  • Embraer E190 Regional jet · 15 Regional routes in Africa

Cabin classes

On Kenya Airways you can choose from Economy and Business, depending on the route and the aircraft.

Economy All flights

Full-service flying

MealsChecked bag includedEntertainment on 787

Business All aircraft

Flat beds on the 787

Business passengers can use Kenya Airways’ Simba Lounge at Nairobi.

Simba Lounge in NairobiPriority servicesExtra baggage

Asante Rewards

Kenya Airways’ loyalty programme. Join Asante Rewards online before you fly so the trip counts.

Members earn miles on Kenya Airways and SkyTeam partner flights and can redeem them for award tickets and upgrades; elite tiers are recognised across SkyTeam.

Kenya Airways has two cabins, Business and Economy. Asante Rewards is the frequent flyer programme. Members earn miles on Kenya Airways and SkyTeam partner flights and can use them for reward travel.

Baggage allowance

Check your e-ticket for the exact Kenya Airways allowance. It is set by the fare type, the cabin and the route, whether you start at NBO or another airport.

Checked baggage
On your e-ticket
Cabin baggage
Depends on fare
Extra bags
Cheaper before you fly
Power banks
Cabin bag only

Allowances depend on route, cabin and fare; flights to and from the US often use a piece concept. Check your e-ticket.

Pro tip: Kenya bans single-use plastic bags; leave them out of your luggage when you fly into Nairobi.
Travel day

Online Check-in

Here is the order to follow for a KQ flight: check in, sort your documents, meet the airport deadline and drop your bags.

  • Online check-in available
  1. Step 1

    Check in online

    Online check-in for KQ flights is on the official Kenya Airways website or app. You need the KQ booking reference or e-ticket number and the passenger’s surname.

    Booking ref + surname
  2. Step 2

    Prepare your documents

    Before leaving for the airport, check that your passport is valid and that you hold any visa or entry document needed at the other end of your Kenya Airways flight. Domestic KQ passengers should bring a photo ID the airline accepts.

    Passport · visa · ID
  3. Step 3

    Arrive early

    Get to the airport with time for Kenya Airways check-in, bag drop and security. The airline sets a deadline for each airport, shown in your booking, and late arrivals can lose their seat.

    Well before departure
  4. Step 4

    Drop your bags

    Hand in checked luggage at the Kenya Airways counter or bag drop, then keep your boarding pass and passport ready for security and the gate.

    Kenya Airways counter
Ready to check in? Check in and manage your booking on the official Kenya Airways website.
Check in with Kenya Airways
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Cheap tickets

How to find a cheaper Kenya Airways fare without giving up the bag or seat you need.

  1. 01

    Be flexible with your Kenya Airways dates

    If your dates can move, look at KQ flights across the whole week. Midweek seats are often cheaper than weekend ones.

    Midweek flights
  2. 02

    Avoid peak seasons

    Christmas and the July–October safari season are busy on routes to Kenya. Book early for these dates.

    Christmas & safari season
  3. 03

    Compare Kenya Airways fare types

    Look at the next Kenya Airways fare up: if it bundles a hold bag or easier changes, it may beat the basic fare plus extras.

    Baggage & changes
  4. 04

    Compare Jambojet

    On routes such as Nairobi–Mombasa, compare with Kenya Airways’ low-cost subsidiary Jambojet.

    Domestic Kenya

  5. Ready to compare fares?

    Search Kenya Airways alongside every other airline on your route, with flexible dates.

    Search Kenya Airways flights

Reviews and questions

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Everything travellers ask before flying Kenya Airways.
Answers checked against Kenya Airways’ official sources and public aviation references, and reviewed each season.

General

Kenya Airways is a member of SkyTeam and has been a full member since June 2010. You can earn and use miles and get reciprocal benefits on SkyTeam partners such as KLM, Air France and Delta.