Published on
December 31, 2025
One of the major advancements that have taken place in the process of boosting tourism and aviation connectivity of Kenya is the arrival of the very first direct charter flight from Budapest, Hungary, to Moi International Airport, Mombasa, on Tuesday. This new route is set to not just reinforce the flow of tourists between Kenya and Hungary but also take the aviation network to a larger scale with more visitors coming in from Eastern Europe. The first flight received a warm welcome with celebrations, including a massive water cannon salute, which heralded the opening up of a new era for Kenyan tourism.
A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen International Connections
The partnership between Smartwings Airlines, Private Safaris, and IBUSZ, a Hungarian travel company, has brought the highly anticipated Budapest–Mombasa charter service to life. This new route will provide a direct connection between the vibrant Hungarian capital and the Kenyan coast, offering a seamless travel experience for tourists from Hungary and neighbouring countries. The service, which is set to operate once a week for a total of nine rotations, is expected to bring a significant influx of high-value tourists to Mombasa, further bolstering the region’s growing reputation as a prime travel destination.
The launch of this direct route reflects a broader strategy by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to expand its international connectivity and cater to the increasing demand for travel to Kenya’s coastal region. KAA’s Chairman, Caleb Kositany, who led a high-level delegation to welcome the inaugural flight, expressed optimism about the future of this collaboration. His presence alongside key figures such as KAA’s General Manager for Operations and Safety, Dr. Simon Peter, and Mombasa’s Tourism Executive Member, Mohamed Osman, highlights the importance of the new route in the government’s efforts to expand tourism.
A Thriving Hub for Tourism in Mombasa
Moi International Airport has long been a vital gateway for international travellers seeking to explore the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Kenya’s Coast. With the addition of the Budapest route, Mombasa’s airport further strengthens its position as a critical entry point for international tourism. The addition of the Smartwings Airlines charter service will also complement the already thriving network of airlines operating in the region, including Condor, Neos Air, Discover Airlines, and Enterair.
The new flight is particularly important for the Kenyan tourism sector, especially as it targets Eastern European countries, which have seen a rise in outbound tourism in recent years. The route is expected to bring a fresh wave of travellers from Hungary and neighbouring nations, drawn to Kenya’s pristine beaches, unique wildlife safaris, and vibrant Swahili cultural experiences. As the Kenyan coast remains a sought-after destination for both beach lovers and culture enthusiasts, this charter service is seen as a strategic move to attract more tourists and expand Kenya’s reach within the European market.
Economic and Social Impact on the Local Community
The increased number of visitors from Hungary is expected to stimulate Mombasa’s local economy significantly. Tourism is one of the primary industries in the coastal city, and the arrival of more tourists means a higher demand for local hospitality services, including hotels, tour operators, transport, and dining. This will have a ripple effect, benefiting a wide range of businesses and providing new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Private Safaris CEO, Alexander Spiro, who was also present during the reception, highlighted the potential for the new route to transform Mombasa into an even more prominent player on the global tourism stage. He emphasized that the arrival of direct flights from Hungary will not only bring more tourists to the region but will also create a steady stream of economic benefits that will improve the livelihoods of many residents. Spiro noted that this collaboration is a positive step in making Mombasa a year-round destination for international travellers, with sustainable growth in the tourism industry being at the heart of the efforts.
A Growing Relationship Between Kenya and Hungary
This new route between Mombasa and Budapest also marks an important milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between Kenya and Hungary. Over the years, both nations have enjoyed cooperation in various sectors, including trade, education, and tourism. The launch of the charter service is seen as a natural extension of these ties, with both countries working together to increase mutual awareness and enhance people-to-people connections.
For Hungary, the direct flight to Kenya offers Hungarian travellers a unique opportunity to explore a country with rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. The new service is expected to cater to both leisure travellers seeking relaxing beach holidays as well as adventurous tourists eager to experience Kenya’s renowned wildlife and safari offerings. Moreover, the flight opens up new potential for Hungarian tourists to immerse themselves in the world-famous coastal culture of Mombasa, a region brimming with rich Swahili history, captivating architecture, and picturesque landscapes.
The Future of Tourism and Aviation Connectivity
The success of this inaugural flight is expected to pave the way for even more flights from Hungary and other Eastern European countries in the future. The growth in aviation connectivity to Kenya is a direct response to the increasing demand for more affordable and convenient travel options for European tourists. As Kenya’s tourism industry continues to evolve and diversify, the role of international charter flights in expanding access to the country will become increasingly significant.
In the coming years, it is expected that more global destinations will see direct flights to Mombasa, and as the region continues to grow as a tourism hub, Kenya’s overall aviation and tourism sector will become more robust, offering new opportunities for all stakeholders involved.
A New Chapter in Mombasa’s Tourism Journey
The charter flight coming from Hungary is the first, and it has delivered Mombasa at the doorstep of the world’s top-notch tourist destinations. The opening of the Budapest–Mombasa route by Smartwings Airlines, Private Safaris, and IBUSZ is the collaboration of the partners in which the air passengers flow between Kenya and Hungary will be increased. The beautiful Kenyan coast will not only be the recipients of this but also reap an overall economic benefit through increased tourism impact.