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Kenya Airways

"The Pride of Africa", flying from Nairobi

  • KenyaCountry
  • KQIATA Code
  • KQAICAO Code
  • SkyTeamAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways is Kenya’s flag carrier and a SkyTeam member, flying from Nairobi to more than 40 destinations across Africa and to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and New York. It is a top choice for safaris, but light aircraft to the parks allow only about 15 kg, so pack accordingly. This guide covers baggage, power bank rules, Asante Rewards and how Kenya Airways compares with Ethiopian and Emirates.

Kenya Airways was founded in 1977 and calls itself “The Pride of Africa”. KLM holds a stake in the airline, and its subsidiary Jambojet flies low-cost domestic routes. It returned to profit in 2024 and is focusing on upgrading its existing aircraft and growing cargo.

Kenya Airways flights to Nairobi
Photo: Mustafa Omar / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
  • Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100–160 Wh only with the airline’s approval.
  • No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.
  • Never pack power banks in checked bags.

Check-In at Nairobi

Online check-in is available on the website and app. At Nairobi, security starts at the terminal entrance, so allow three hours for international flights. Connections within Terminal 1 are usually simple.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Kenya

Cheap Kenya Airways flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Travel in the green season (April–June) for lower prices.
  • Book Great Migration season (July–October) early.
  • Compare connections via Amsterdam with KLM.
  • Try Jambojet for domestic hops.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Kenya Airways next to Ethiopian, Emirates and others.

Kenya Airways vs Ethiopian vs Emirates

Three ways to reach East Africa.

Kenya AirwaysEthiopianEmirates
HubNairobiAddis AbabaDubai
AllianceSkyTeamStar AllianceNone
Best forKenya and safarisWidest Africa networkConnections from Asia and Europe
Long-haul aircraftBoeing 787Boeing 787, 777 and Airbus A350Airbus A380 and Boeing 777

See our Ethiopian Airlines guide and Emirates guide to compare.

Arriving in Nairobi

Jomo Kenyatta Airport is about 18 km from central Nairobi. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and hotel transfers are easiest, and traffic can be heavy.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Kenya Airways a Good Airline?

Yes. Kenya Airways has the best connections to East Africa, a comfortable 787 fleet and SkyTeam links through Nairobi, making it a natural choice for safari travellers.

For more options, see our KLM guide, airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against ch-aviation on Kenya Airways’ fleet plans and ICAO’s 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Kenya Airways website before you travel.

SkyTeam & Airline Partnerships

Kenya Airways has been a SkyTeam member since 2010. You can connect in Nairobi onto partners such as KLM, Air France and Delta on one ticket and earn Asante Rewards points across the alliance.

Learn more about SkyTeam

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Kenya Airways works closely with KLM, which holds a stake in the airline, and codeshares with SkyTeam and other partners. Its low-cost subsidiary Jambojet flies many domestic routes.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is Kenya Airways' hub, linking East Africa with the rest of Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Popular Kenya Airways Routes

Kenya Airways' busiest routes link Nairobi with Mombasa, Johannesburg, Lagos, Dubai and Mumbai, and long-haul with London, Amsterdam and New York. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Kenya Airways Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Kenya Airways sells several Economy fare types, from the cheapest fares with the strictest rules to flexible fares with lower change fees, plus Business Class. The conditions for your ticket are shown when you book.

When you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any change fee for your fare type. For flights to or from the USA, the US 24-hour cancellation rule applies.

  • Cheapest Economy fares Lowest prices and the strictest rules.
  • Flexible Economy fares Lower change fees and more flexibility.
  • Business Class The most flexible conditions.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on kenya-airways.com or the Kenya Airways app.

Kenya Airways Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat when booking or at check-in, with some seats available to buy in advance. Business Class on the Boeing 787 has lie-flat seats, and Business passengers can use the Pride Lounge in Nairobi.

Extra bags cost less when added before you fly than at the airport.

  • Seat selection When booking or at check-in; some seats are paid.
  • Business Class Lie-flat seats on the Boeing 787.
  • Pride Lounge For Business Class in Nairobi.
  • Extra bags Cheaper when added before travel.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Kenya Airways Baggage Allowance

Kenya Airways passengers can bring a carry-on bag and a small personal item, with a higher allowance in Business Class.

Most Economy fares include checked baggage, typically one or two 23 kg bags depending on the route and fare, while Business Class includes more. If you are going on safari, light aircraft to the national parks usually allow only about 15 kg in soft bags, so pack for the smallest plane on your trip.

  • Carry-on 1 bag plus a personal item; more in Business Class.
  • Economy Typically 1–2 bags of 23 kg, depending on route and fare.
  • Business Class Higher allowance than Economy.
  • SkyTeam Elite members Extra baggage.
  • Safari light aircraft Usually about 15 kg in soft bags.
  • Check your ticket The exact allowance is shown on your booking.

Asante Rewards: Kenya Airways Loyalty Programme

Asante Rewards is Kenya Airways' free loyalty programme. You earn points on Kenya Airways and SkyTeam flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights and upgrades.

Frequent flyers can reach elite tiers recognised as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus, with priority services and lounge access at the top levels.

  • Entry level Free for all members.
  • Elite tiers Recognised as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus.
  • Benefits Priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage and lounge access at higher tiers.
  • SkyTeam Earn and redeem across SkyTeam airlines.
Join or log in on the Kenya Airways website

Kenya Airways: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Kenya Airways’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is KQ. It appears in flight numbers (for example KQ 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is KQA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Where is Kenya Airways headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

03When was Kenya Airways founded?

The airline was founded in 1977.

04What is Kenya Airways’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Asante Rewards. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

05What is Kenya Airways' hub?

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.

06Does Kenya Airways include checked baggage?

Most Economy fares include checked baggage, typically one or two 23 kg bags depending on the route and fare. Your exact allowance is shown on your booking.

07How much luggage can I take on a safari flight?

Light aircraft to Kenya's national parks usually allow only about 15 kg per person in soft bags, much less than Kenya Airways' international allowance.

08Is Kenya Airways in an alliance?

Yes. Kenya Airways has been a SkyTeam member since 2010 and works closely with KLM, so you can connect easily via Amsterdam and Nairobi.

Kenya Airways, its logo and trademarks are the property of Kenya Airways PLC and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kenya Airways unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.