PIA resumes flights on Dubai-Nairobi route

DUBAI — The East African community in the UAE has welcomed the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines flights from Dubai to the Kenyan capital Nairobi. PIA is offering an introductory return fare of Dh1,110, inclusive of taxes, until March 31.

By M. A. Qudoos

Published: Tue 7 Feb 2006, 10:13 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 6:43 PM

PIA organised a presentation in collaboration with the Kenya Friendship Society to brief the African ethnic community in the UAE regarding the product and services being offered by the airline on the flights to Nairobi.

PIA was one of the first airlines to commence operations on the Dubai-Nairobi route. However, the flights were withdrawn some seven years ago.

They have now been reinstated and PIA is flying to Nairobi twice weekly, every Tuesday and Saturday, at convenient departure times with highly economical fares for the Club and Economy classes.

The schedule also provides convenient connections from Nairobi to destinations within Africa and from Dubai to destinations in the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. PIA is using wide body Airbus 310-300 on the route and allowing attractive baggage allowance.

Speaking at the presentation, Ali Ahmed Saleh, Consul General of Tanzania, said that the re-commencement of the Dubai-Nairobi flight was like "going back home" for PIA.

He expected that the flight would be extended to Dar Es Salam during the year.

Abdul Hameed, Consul General of Pakistan, said that Pakistan and Kenya enjoyed close ties and the resumption of the flights by the national carrier would further strengthen them.

Tanveer A. Khan, Dubai-based regional manager of PIA, said that the flights had been re-started after the "visa problem", which had forced PIA to stop the flights, has been overcome. He said that PIA planned to extend the flight to Dar Es Salam.

He said that Pakistan purchased tea worth of $200 million every year from Kenya and the resumption of the flight would help diversify trade and promote tourism with Kenya and other countries in the region. He said that the number of flights would be increased as load builds up on the route.

Jalal Balala, Chairman of Kenya Friendship Society, UAE, said that while Pakistani people drink Kenyan tea, the Kenyans enjoy Pakistani rice. "Both countries are working to zero rate the duties of these two essential cash crops of rice and tea," he said.